The San Francisco Giants have kept things relatively quiet this offseason, but Thursday brought a move that could have long-term implications for the franchise. They signed 17-year-old shortstop Luis Hernandez, widely regarded as the top talent in this year’s international prospect class. It’s a notable addition-and one that adds even more depth to what’s quickly becoming a loaded pipeline at shortstop.
This isn’t an isolated move. Over the past few years, the Giants have made a clear effort to stockpile talent at one of baseball’s most premium positions. Hernandez joins a growing list of promising young shortstops in the system, and while that kind of depth can lead to tough decisions down the road, it’s the kind of “problem” every front office wants to have.
Let’s break it down.
A Deepening Pool of Talent at Short
Hernandez’s signing follows last year’s headline-grabbing addition of Josuar Gonzalez, another international shortstop who was the crown jewel of the 2025 class. Gonzalez has already made waves in the minors, climbing the prospect rankings and drawing some lofty comparisons-think Francisco Lindor, thanks to his switch-hitting ability and polished all-around game.
Go back another year, and you’ll find Jhonny Level, a 2024 international signee who flashed real promise in A-ball last season. At just 18, Level is still raw, but there’s upside there-athleticism, range, and a developing bat that could make him a name to watch in a couple of years.
And then there’s Gavin Kilen, the Giants’ first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Tennessee. Kilen’s game is built around elite bat-to-ball skills, and he’s the kind of player who fits the mold of what Buster Posey-now leading the front office-seems to be prioritizing: high-IQ hitters with contact ability and defensive versatility. Kilen played under Tony Vitello in college, and there’s a maturity to his game that suggests he could move quickly through the system.
The Present: Willy Adames Holding Down the Fort
At the major league level, the Giants are in good hands with Willy Adames. He signed a seven-year, $182 million deal before the 2025 season and remains a steady presence both at the plate and in the field. Adames is under contract through his mid-30s, and while he’s still in his prime, it’s fair to wonder how long he’ll remain at shortstop.
As players age, positional shifts are common-especially for shortstops. So while Adames is the guy right now, the Giants are clearly planning ahead.
Whether it’s Kilen, Gonzalez, Level, or Hernandez, one of these young prospects could eventually step into that role. And if they don’t?
Well, that’s where the flexibility of depth comes into play.
Planning for the Future-and the Trade Market
The Giants know better than most that not every top prospect pans out. Marco Luciano was once considered the shortstop of the future, but things didn’t quite work out that way. That experience has likely made the front office a bit more measured in how they view prospect development-especially with international signees who often need years to fully develop.
That said, a surplus of talent at one position opens the door for trades. With Adames entrenched and none of these young shortstops knocking on the MLB door just yet, the Giants have some intriguing chips to work with. If the right opportunity comes along-say, a chance to acquire a proven big leaguer in a position of need-San Francisco could afford to part with one or two of these young shortstops.
Whether it's Gonzalez, Kilen, Level, or Hernandez, the Giants are building out a strong foundation at a premium position. And while not all of them will reach the majors in a Giants uniform, the organization has positioned itself well for both internal development and external flexibility.
This is the kind of roster-building patience and foresight that can pay off in a big way-either by producing the next franchise shortstop or by helping land the kind of impact player who can push the team back into postseason contention.