"Giants: Gerelmi Maldonado, RHP (No. 23)Signed for $145,600 out of Venezuela in 2021, Maldonado can reach 101 mph with late life on his fastball and can overpower hitters with a sweeping 82-85 mph slider as well. Tommy John surgery in December 2023 cost him all of the following season and means he hasn't progressed past Single-A, where he recorded a 3.97 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 59 innings this year."
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I would think power arms such as Maldonado, Roxby, Miles, and maybe Bednar will get priority for 40 man roster protection.
I’m recording a video on these decisions right now…here’s what I’ll say on Gerelmi:
Maldonado has one of few 100 mph fastballs in the system, and a great slider that was ranked second in all the minors by BA’s Stuff+ model. The downside…he has only pitched as high as Low-A as he’s dealt with injuries. He needs more development. But some GMs think all you need is good stuff, not experience. I detest protecting players whose only experience is at such a low level…but I do think he will get picked. And though I doubt he’d stay on a big league roster all year…I’m of the opinion he needs development that doesn’t get interrupted by a pick. Protect him.