Spring training is underway, and with the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in progress, it has opened up playing time for a lot of non-roster players. Three non-roster players who have made a good impression so far in SF Giants camp include Victor Bericoto, Jake Holton, and Jared Oliva.
Last week, we looked at three non-roster pitchers who have made a favorable impression. We are shifting gears to focus on the position players while also recognizing that there just might not be much of a chance for any of them to make the Opening Day roster. That said, they can position themselves for an eventual call up with a strong finish to the Cactus League.
1. Victor Bericoto
Bericoto has been one of the best hitters in Giants camp so far this spring. Hitting a grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers will certainly help anyone’s case. The Giants have taken notice of Bericoto’s performance, as he was slotted into the cleanup spot in Friday’s 6-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
The right-handed bat has recorded a 1.418 OPS with two home runs and 10 RBI in 18 at-bats. He is tied with Luis Matos and Matt Chapman for the team lead in home runs and leads the club in RBI.
Can Bericoto make the team out of spring training? As he continues to hit, the odds improve but are still now in his favor. He is not on the 40-man roster, so the Giants would need to create a roster spot. Plus, he has appeared in only 11 games at Triple-A. The Giants will likely want to see him perform in the Pacific Coast League before giving him a roster spot.
2. Jake Holton
Holton has never played above Double-A, but that could be changing soon. He has strung together some nice at-bats this spring. Holton has tallied a .929 OPS with one home run and eight RBI. His lone home run was a grand slam earlier this week, and he is second on the team in RBI.
The 28-year-old infielder has put up an .808 OPS across four seasons in the Eastern League. That league has proven to be a good litmus test for Giants prospects. There is likely no need for Holton to return to Double-A unless the Giants have a need on that roster. He likely will not make the team out of camp, but he has made a good impression in his first month with the organization.
3. Jared Oliva
Oliva could fill a niche role on a competitive roster. He is a fast runner and capable defender at all three outfield positions. Oliva appeared in parts of two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but struggled to a .435 OPS with a 27.1 percent strikeout rate in 59 career plate appearances.
There might not be much upside in Oliva’s bat, but his baserunning acumen could give the Giants a dynamic they have not had for years. He is not just a fast runner but also an efficient base stealer. He stole 57 bases in 63 chances in only 95 games at Triple-A last season. This spring, he has put up an .871 OPS in 15 at-bats. This includes six steals in seven chances.
