by Charlie O. Mallonee

The San Francisco Giants did not have a first-round selection in the 2016 MLB first-year player draft due to the signing of free agent pitcher Jeff Samardzija. The Giants were looking for a sleeper in the second-round that might have above average talent.

The organization feels they found just that in outfielder Bryan Reynolds whom they selected in second-round (59th overall). The Giants believe they found first-round talent that had not been selected earlier.

Reynolds comes out of a big time college program at Vanderbilt who plays in the very tough Southeastern Conference. Vanderbilt won the College World Series in 2014 and was the runner-up 2015. Reynolds played on both of those teams.

Reynolds is a 6-foot-3, 200 pound outfielder who is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed. He does not possess any plus-tools but is considered a strong all-around player. There is some concern about his ability to make contact against quality pitching.

His two strongest attributes are his speed and his patience. Reynolds is able to use his speed to cover center field on defense and to steal bases when given the chance. He is able to be patient at the plate and draw walks if he is not given anything by the pitcher to hit.

Reynolds is currently playing in the short season Class A Northwest League with THE Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. He leads the league with a .328 batting average. Reynolds has a .399 on base percentage, .557 slugging percentage and a very impressive .956 OPS so far this season. On defense, he has committed just one error in 33 games.

Reynolds has 40 hits in 122 at bats including 11 doubles, one triple and five home runs. He has picked up 23 rbi while walking 11 times and striking out just 30 times. Reynolds was named Northwest League Player of the Week for July 11-17.

Reynolds is considered to be the fourth best prospect in the Giants farm system at this time. The estimate is that fans can expect to Bryan Reynolds at AT&T Park in 2019.

Photo Credit: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Gordie Clary