Giants prospect Luis Matos continues to dominate AAA pitching

Jun 12, 2023, 10:19 AM | Updated: 10:22 am

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Luis Matos #78 of the San Francisco Giants signs autographs before th...

(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

The Luis Matos buzz is growing by the day.

San Francisco’s prized outfield prospect continued his torrid start to his AAA career as the 21-year-old went three-for-six with two home runs, 4 RBI, and a stolen base during the Sacramento River Cats’ 18-2 win over the Las Vegas Aviators on Sunday.

Over 23 appearances at AAA this season, Matos is batting .396 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and six stolen bases while holding a .434 on-base percentage.

Imagine still pitching to Luis 😂😂😂

Luis brings home 3 with his 2nd big fly of the day! pic.twitter.com/tyItjXnpul

— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) June 11, 2023

MATOS AGAIN!

Luis hits his 4th HR in 5 games and the Cats lead! pic.twitter.com/Ow1D6Ijyab

— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) June 11, 2023

Matos, San Francisco’s seventh-ranked prospect according to MLB.com’s 2023 rankings (was ranked third in 2022), is quickly progressing through the minor leagues after opening up this season at AA.

Over 31 appearances with AA Richmond this season, Matos posted a .304 batting average while hitting three home runs, driving in 16 runs, and stealing nine bases.

Matos has played all three outfield positions this season but has primarily been used as a center fielder (30 games).

Another impressive aspect that Matos can bring to the table is his developed plate discipline. After striking out 65 times and walking 27 times at the High-A level in 2022, Matos has walked more this season (24) than he has been sent down on strikes (20) over 54 games at the AA and AAA levels.

As the Giants continuously shed pieces of the 2010s playoff teams, the youth movement is looking bright for San Francisco as Casey Schmitt, Patrick Bailey, Matos, Logan Webb, Camilo Doval, Thairo Estrada, and top prospects Marco Luciano and Kyle Harrison have put this franchise in a strong position for the long haul.