Giants Make James Tibbs III Top Pick of 2024 Draft

The slugging left-hander adds an impact bat to the farm

The Giants under Farhan Zaidi have always prioritized strong swing decisions above nearly all other metrics when it comes to hitters they admire. Whether it’s through trade acquisitions, free agent signings, or amateurs taken through the draft, this organization looks for hitters who are strong at controlling the zone.

With the #13 overall pick of the 2024 draft — and their lone pick on Day One of this year’s draft — they got a guy who is strong at controlling the zone. Florida State outfielder, James Tibbs III, has turned into one of the strongest pure hitters in this year’s draft by focusing on a consistent understanding of the strike zone. Scouting Director Michael Holmes, speaking with the media last night, said “it’s definitely something that we value — guys who dominate the strike zone…James has that ability to control the zone.” That’s an ability that Tibbs has honed throughout his college career, pushing him near the very top of the pure hitters in this class.

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