San Francisco Giants eye draft targets amid pitching struggles in 2026 season

The San Francisco Giants are focusing on two possible players for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. According to Baseball America, the club could select shortstop Jacob Lombard, a standout from Gulliver Prep in Miami, or outfielder Eric Booth Jr., a 6‑foot talent from Oak Grove High School in Mississippi. The team prefers hitters over pitchers and sees both prospects as viable options after its top-three targets appear unlikely to fall to them.

Midway through the 2026 season, the Giants sit at 35‑49, far below expectations despite offensive contributions from newcomers such as Rafael Devers, Luis Arraez and rookie Bryce Eldridge. The primary issue, analysts say, is the pitching staff. "Logan Webb anchors the staff, holding a 3.09 ERA across 90.1 innings," while other starters like Landen Roupp (4.55 ERA) and Tyler Mahle (5.67 ERA) have struggled. The bullpen has also been inconsistent, with JT Brubaker posting a 2.74 ERA but other relievers posting ERAs above 4.00.