Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
One hopeful piece for the Giants future sees more hope in their newest piece.
Two teams ago for each, Mauricio Dubon and Luis Basabe were teammates in the Red Sox organization, the two overlapping with High-A Salem in 2016, when Dubon was 21 and Basabe 19.
On Dec. 6, 2016, each was dealt, Dubon shipped to Milwaukee in a Tyler Thornburg trade while Basabe was included in the Chris Sale blockbuster. Three and a half years later, they have found a new franchise, Dubon rooting for his pal to wear Orange and Black alongside him.
“As soon as he got traded I texted him,” Dubon said on a Zoom call this weekend. “I let him know, ‘Hey, you’re going to have fun, man.’ He’s excited about it.”
The Giants last week dealt for Basabe, a 23-year-old toolsy outfielder, for cash considerations after the White Sox designated him for assignment. Basabe fought injuries with Chicago, tearing the meniscus in his knee in 2017 and breaking his left hand (plus dealing with a nagging quad injury) last year.
His prospect luster has faded a bit, but the switch-hitter still is hailed for his power and speed combination. Dubon’s scouting report is both encouraging and elusive.
“He’s a raw player, he’s really good. He’s going to be a fun player to watch,” said Dubon of Basabe, who’s now in Sacramento. “… Very nice kid, he likes to learn. He’s scary. He has a twin brother, too — they’re both really good. But the outfielder one is really scary.”
Scary?
“You’ll see when he comes,” Dubon said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Giants fans have been warned.
Luis Alexander Basabe’s twin, Luis Alejandro Basabe, is in the Diamondbacks organization, so perhaps the two will battle in NL West matchups in the coming years.
Luis Alexander Basabe will have to stay healthy. The last time he did, he enjoyed a breakout 2018 season, which included homering off a Hunter Greene 102-mph fastball in the Futures Game.
“Really fast, he can drive the baseball and hit it out of the park,” Dubon said. “He has a great arm, runs. He’s a five-tool player. It’s going to be fun having him on our side.”