In the world of baseball prospects, sometimes a setback can be the setup for a major comeback. Giants outfield prospect Trevor Cohen knows this story well.
Originally set to showcase his skills in the Cape Cod League after his sophomore season at Rutgers, Cohen’s plans took a detour thanks to a broken ankle during a slide into second base. Instead of showcasing his talents in the collegiate summer wood bat league, he found himself focusing on recovery and strength training.
Cohen, 22, took this challenge head-on, staying at Rutgers over the summer to work on his strength and conditioning. “That was a big thing for me,” Cohen shared, reflecting on his offseason focus.
With the guidance of his Rutgers coach, he zeroed in on building strength, confident that his batting skills would follow. And follow they did.
By the time his junior year rolled around, Cohen was a force to be reckoned with. He hit .387, racking up 24 doubles, a triple, and two home runs, along with 19 steals over 57 games.
His performance didn’t just stand out; it set records. Cohen set a Big Ten record for most conference hits (56) and tied Rutgers’ single-season record for doubles, all while maintaining an impressively low strikeout rate of 5.5%.
Rutgers head coach Steve Owens saw the silver lining in Cohen’s injury. “That might have been one of the best things that happened to him,” Owens noted, highlighting how the injury allowed Cohen to focus on building his physical strength, which translated into a standout junior year.
The Giants took notice of Cohen’s impressive transformation. Though he wasn’t among MLB Pipeline’s Top 250 Draft prospects, San Francisco saw his potential and selected him in the third round with the 85th overall pick. For Cohen, hearing his name called was nothing short of a dream come true.
Owens wasn’t surprised by Cohen’s draft position. “People finally paid attention to how well-rounded the kid’s game was,” Owens said, emphasizing Cohen’s consistency and competitive nature. He’s not flashy, but his steady performance speaks volumes.
Giants area scout Carmen Carcone had been tracking Cohen since a standout performance in Rutgers’ 2025 season opener. “He's a high-contact guy with speed and developing power,” Carcone explained. Cohen’s ability to make consistent contact and his potential for power made him a prime target for the Giants.
While Cohen is known for his line-drive hitting, the Giants see potential for more power in his swing. With an average exit velocity of 101.1 mph at the MLB Draft Combine, the raw power is there. Carcone believes that as Cohen matures, he’ll learn to tap into that power more effectively.
Cohen’s professional debut with Single-A San Jose was nothing short of impressive. Batting .438 during the playoffs, he helped lead the team to a California League championship. As he continues his journey through the Giants’ system in 2026, Cohen remains focused on honing his skills and staying true to his game.
“I don't really like to change a ton,” Cohen said, emphasizing his commitment to being the best version of himself. He knows that with time, strength, and experience, the home runs will come. For now, he’s focused on sharpening his skills and making the most of every opportunity.