MLB Rookie Profile: Carlos Moncrief, OF, San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have promoted outfielder Carlos Moncrief to the major league roster. Let’s take a quick look at the latest rookie in the Bay Area.

Carlos Moncrief was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 14th round in 2008 from Chipola Junior College in Florida. Initially a pitcher, he moved to the outfield in 2010. He showed some power at the lower levels, then appeared to blossom with a fine 2013 season in Double-A (.284/.354/.470, 17 homers, 15 steals, 55 walks, 98 strikeouts in 489 at-bats.

The transition to Triple-A proved more difficult. He hit .271/.328/.431 in 480 at-bats in 2014 but his BB/K ratio deteriorated to 38/130. He hit just .187 in 166 at-bats in Triple-A in 2015. Appearing buried in the Indians farm system, he signed with the Giants as a minor league free agent.

Moncrief hit .287/.349/.421 with 17 doubles, just two homers, and a 17/45 BB/K ratio in 171 at-bats in Triple-A before moving up to the majors this year.

Listed at 6-0, 220, Moncrief is a left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower born November 3rd, 1998. I felt he was a significant sleeper prospect back in 2013-2014 but his career stagnated in Triple-A. He’s got some pop in his bat, more than the two homers this year implies, particularly to the pull-side. His arm works well in right field and he has more speed than you’d expect given his height/weight data, although his defensive range and outfield instincts leave something to be desired.

At age 28, Moncrief is too old to have much development time left on the clock, but he could be a usable role player/fifth outfielder/pinch-hitter.