Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
In both 2014 and 2015, the Giants spent their top choice on a pitcher who had turned down the Blue Jays as a first-rounder out of high school. Following in the footsteps of Tyler Beede, Bickford signed for $2,333,800 as the 18th overall pick last June. Selected 10th overall in 2013, he began his college career at Cal State Fullerton before starring in the Cape Cod League and transferring to the JC of Southern Nevada so he'd be eligible for the 2015 Draft.
Bickford can hit 98 mph with a four-seam fastball and miss barrels with a low-90s two-seamer that features plenty of sink. His slider can be a plus pitch when his mechanics are in sync but also can get slurvy when he doesn't maintain his release point. San Francisco was pleased with the strides he made with his changeup during instructional league and would like to see him use it more often.
The Giants envision Bickford as a starter, though some scouts think he's destined for the bullpen. He's a good athlete who usually fills the strike zone, but he sometimes lapses into overthrowing and has trouble maintaining his arm slot. His stuff is electric in short stints, so he's a potential closer if he can't make it in the rotation.
Also, getting Sussac pretty much means Lucroy is gone soon.