MLB Pipeline highlights one eye-catching stat from SF Giants lefty pitching prospect

MLB Pipeline highlighted one, eye-catching stat from a prospect in each organization. For the SF Giants, it was Jacob Bresnahan’s 32.5 percent strikeout rate with the San Jose Giants last season.

MLB Pipeline highlights one eye-catching stat from SF Giants lefty pitching prospect

The Giants acquired Bresnahan, along with Nate Furman, in a deal that sent Alex Cobb to the Cleveland Guardians at the 2024 trade deadline. Cobb made three starts down the stretch for the Guardians and did not pitch after signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers in 2025.

Since then, Bresnahan has quickly emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in the Giants organization. He was frequently recognized for his standout performances with San Jose, and this includes taking home California League Pitcher of the Year honors.

San Jose had a memorable 2025 campaign while leading the league with an 81-51 record. They were comfortably the best team in the league, and won the California League Championship by sweeping the Inland Empire 66ers in two games.

The Giants dominated on both sides of the ball, but the pitching staff was especially strong. That unit led the California League with a 3.50 ERA. The Visalia Rawhide was second in that category with a 4.31 ERA.

Bresnahan anchored San Jose’s in 2025. He pitched to a 2.61 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 12.0 K/9, and a 2.88 SO/W rate across 22 starts. Opposing hitters put up only a .570 OPS against the young lefty in 2025. In a bit of an oddity, there was absolutely no platoon split in that category. Both right-handed and left-handed hitters put up a .570 OPS.

Of course, Bresnahan got a lot of hitters and swing and miss, too. He struck out nearly one out of every three batters he faced, and his 124 strikeouts was third among all pitchers in the California League. Strikeouts are a pretty good indicator of success at the next level, and Bresnahan thrived in that area.

On the mound, the Bresnahan throws from a three-quarters arm slot with above-average extension from the left side. He relies on a mid-90’s four-seam fastball that has plenty of ride and carry through the zone. He mixes in a mid-80’s changeup that has late, fading action and throws an occasional sweeper as well. The changeup is his go-to secondary, and California League hitters struggled to pick up on the difference in the arm speed from his fastball.