The SF Giants kicked off their Cactus League campaign with a commanding 10-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners, and there were plenty of standout performances to talk about. Leading the charge was non-roster invitee Jake Holton, who made a splash with the first multi-hit game of the spring for the Giants.
Holton, a 10th-round draft pick by the Detroit Tigers in 2019, hails from San Jose, California, and attended Archbishop Mitty High School, making him a local favorite. Fans are eager to see him shine, and he’s already making waves.
Holton gave the Giants an early lead with an infield single that threaded the right side of the infield. Later, he added to the scoreboard with a sharp single up the middle during a four-run eighth inning, driving in Grant McCray.
Holton was the only Giant to notch a multi-hit game, setting a promising tone for his spring.
Joining the Giants on a minor league deal this offseason, Holton has spent six seasons with the Tigers organization. Despite strong numbers in the minors, he never advanced beyond Double-A. His .808 OPS in the challenging Eastern League demonstrates his potential, as that league is often a proving ground for Giants prospects.
Holton's game is built on solid power, plate discipline, and contact skills, primarily playing as a first baseman. His local roots and impressive start are certainly turning heads.
But Holton wasn’t the only Giant making noise. Daniel Susac made his presence felt with one hit in three at-bats, consistently making strong contact.
Blade Tidwell dazzled by striking out the side in his inning of work, while Michael Fulmer contributed a scoreless inning. With the bullpen competition wide open, Fulmer's performance is a step in the right direction for securing a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The Giants are off to an exciting start, and if these performances are any indication, fans have plenty to look forward to this season.