The San Francisco Giants selected Stetson infielder Isaiah Barkett in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft (296th overall pick). Barkett was the final Giants selection with a recommended slot value attached to it ($191,700). All subsequent picks will not count against the Giants spending pool unless they receive more than $150,000.
Barkett began his college career at NC State, but struggled to find consistent playing time with the Wolfpack. After one season, he transferred to Stetson and immediately became a staple in the lineup. Barkett primarily manned the hot corner at Stetson, but bounced around the infield during his career on the summer league circuit. The Giants selected him as a second baseman. So he will presumably begin his career focusing on the keystone.
Barkett falls in line with several earlier Giants selections that prioritized statistical productivity and contact skills. This spring, Barkett hit .389/.461/.498 with 16 doubles, a triple, and two home runs in 256 plate appearances with 32 stolen bases (38 attempts), 25 walks, and just nine strikeouts.
Yes, you read that correctly. Barkett struck out just 3.5% of the time this spring. Last summer against the premium competition at the Cape Cod League, he managed a passable .701 OPS with just nine strikeouts in 102 plate appearances as well. Barkett puts the ball in play at an elite level and pairs that with good speed. However, he also has limited power potential and posted a career isolated power (ISO) in college of .102.
Without the defensive upside to play shortstop to make up for his lack of power, there is a lot of pressure on Barkett’s hit tool if he is going to become an everyday player. Of course, finding a utility player in the 10th round would still be a great find for San Francisco.