The newest member of the San Francisco Giants home-grown infield is Joe Panik. Panik burst on to the scene in 2014. He didn’t necessarily beat his ETA, but he did beat most draft projections of his ability. Panik’s defense, combined with a plate approach and knack for hitting that lines up perfectly for a No. 2 hitter in the lineup, blew away everyone. Panik made easily the biggest defensive play of the 2014 World Series, with his diving stop leading to the rally quelling double play in Game 7.
In 2015, Panik got his well-deserved status as an NL All-Star.