The Giants added some much needed depth to their depleted farm system on Thursday, claiming ‘slick-fielding’ 23-year-old infield prospect Engelb Vielma off waivers as first reported by Mike Berardino of Pioneer Press.
Per source, #mntwins have lost slick-fielding SS Engelb Vielma on waivers to a National League club. Was designated for LHP Gabriel Moya.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) September 14, 2017
Before the transaction, Vielma was ranked as the Minnesota Twins’ No. 25 overall prospect according to Baseball America, and No. 22 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Vielma was decent with the Twins AA affiliate early in the year with a line of .286/.362/.328, but looked lost in 87 AAA games, going .206/.233/.260 with just 14 extra base hits in 314 plate appearances and no home runs. Vielma is a career .256 hitter since joining the Twins’ system in 2012.
Vielma is a versatile defensive player who can also play at second and third base in addition to shortstop.