Giants prospect Luis Matos continues to rack up hits in AAA

Jun 1, 2023, 9:43 AM

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Luis Matos #78 of the San Francisco Giants poses for a photo during t...

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

While Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey continue to mash at the Major League level, another San Francisco Giants up-and-comer is making noise at AAA.

Giants prospect Luis Matos’ hot start to his AAA career continued on Wednesday night as the 21-year-old went three-for-five with a walk and two stolen bases during the Sacramento River Cats’ 7-6 loss to the Tacoma Rainers.

Matos’ go-ahead single in the top of the 10th inning was squandered as the River Cats allowed the Rainers to walk it off in the bottom half of the frame.

Over his past six games, Matos is batting .423 with a .500 on-base percentage while drawing four walks and striking out just three times.

Luis's 3rd hit of the game puts the Cats on top!

Top 10
Cats – 6
Rainiers – 5 pic.twitter.com/1BaR99jsuT

— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) June 1, 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 (27 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 (22) than he has been sent down on strikes (16).

Over 13 appearances at the AAA level in 2023, Matos is batting .362 with four stolen bases while striking out just four times.

As the Giants continuously shed pieces of the 2010s playoff teams, the youth movement is looking bright for San Francisco as Schmitt, 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.