SAN FRANCISCO -- David Villar was an 11th-round pick four years ago and has never gotten close to being included on a Top 100 prospects list. Even now, with a 20-homer season in 2021 and a hot start to his Triple-A season, Villar sits 29th on Baseball America's list of Giants prospects.
But Villar's power production has opened enough eyes that he was included on the National League roster for the Futures Game, a showcase of the game's best and most exciting prospects that will take place during All-Star week at Dodger Stadium. There's just one issue. Villar definitely doesn't want to play in the game.
Being eligible would mean Villar is back in the minors, and he hopes to stay with the Giants after being promoted to the big league club on Monday, a recognition of his 21 homers in Triple-A. Villar should get an extended look with Evan Longoria on the IL for at least 10 games, so he's very unlikely to play in the Futures Game, which will be held July 16. The Giants will have a notable representative, though.
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Full rosters were announced by MLB on Thursday, but a day earlier, a teaser list was announced and lefty Kyle Harrison was one of eight top prospects chosen. Harrison has moved all the way up to No. 27 overall in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 and he is considered by many evaluators to be the best left-handed pitching prospect in the minor leagues.
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Harrison has already earned one promotion this year, going from High-A to Double-A. In 14 starts across two levels, the 20-year-old has a 2.76 ERA and an astounding 116 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings.
Harrison gives the Giants two prospects in MLB Pipeline's top 30 overall, joining No. 9 Marco Luciano, who certainly would have played in the Futures Game if not for a back strain. Luciano has not played since June 3 and has been rehabbing at the minor league facility in Arizona. He's expected to return to High-A Eugene soon.
