2024 MLB Draft Presented by Nike | Richard Rodriguez/GettyImages

The SF Giants had one prospect make MLB Pipeline’s top-100 list in Bryce Eldridge. However, 2024 draftee James Tibbs III was among 10 prospects who narrowly missed the cut.

2024 SF Giants draftee narrowly misses MLB Pipeline’s top-100 prospect list

The Giants drafted Tibbs III with the 13th overall pick out of Florida State University. It was the first time they used a first-round pick to select someone from that school since Buster Posey in 2008.

At the time, the left-handed bat was considered relatively polished for an amateur prospect due in large part to his extensive experience and success against ACC and Cape Cod pitching.

Tibbs III slashed .363/.488/.777 with 28 home runs and 95 RBI in 320 college plate appearances before being drafted by the Giants. He signed for an underslot bonus of $4.7 million, giving the club over $500,000 in savings that they reapplied to sign Dakota Jordan.

The outfield prospect’s introduction into pro ball did not go as planned. He tallied 17 hits, including four doubles and no home runs, in 42 plate appearances with the San Jose Giants before earning a promotion to High-A.

The 22-year-old outfielder struggled during his time with Eugene as he posted a .455 OPS with two home runs and four RBI in 74 plate appearances. His struggles can likely be attributed to dealing with fatigue. Tibbs III appeared in 66 college games before adding 26 more as a pro. It is not uncommon to see players struggle to adjust to pro baseball in their draft year and then being fine after that.

Plus, the development does not truly start until instructional league in the fall. There is a lot to be gained and learned from his brief stint in High-A.

The Giants will be eager to see how Tibbs III performs once the 2025 season opens up. Given that he was a college pick in a competitive division, he has the type of profile that could move quickly.

Bryce Eldridge and Carson Whisenhunt are among the team’s prospects who could be poised to help the Giants as soon as this season. However, the Giants will need reinforcements after that. If all goes according to plan, Tibbs III might not be far behind.