If Giants willing to put this guy in trade talks. Bloom may strike a deal

[ramfandan]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

[Whatashame]

The Giants have been consistently listed as a front runner in a Donovan trade. Sometimes as the favorite. Looking at their farm system, I sure wish Eldridge was a part of a trade. Maybe it’s possible but if not, what else could the Giants put together that would interest us. If we would accept their #2 prospect (Gonzalez)what else do they have to interest us. Not a lot as far as pitching prospects and even their OF prospects aren’t great. I sure hope (and I assume Bloom has) done his homework and can find a package that is worth a Donovan. Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues.

We already have a young Winn as our future SS with Wetherholt on the horizon. We should probably take a closer look at the SF farm and see what might be there.

Maybe Davidson?? Not much interest in Whisenhunt from me. I’ve heard Tidwell’s name but not big on him either. Maybe Kilen but he’s only another piece. A RH pitcher Cayama?? A big arm but a ways away also. There are certainly better teams to choose from.

[Stlcardsblues]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

[Ozziesfan41]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

Yes even if that’s the best move I don’t see bloom doing cards fans would never accept a guy not expected
To make the majors until until 2029. He is going for a ready or near ready prospect. He may take a low level high upside prospect but the headliner will be near ready or ready prospect

[Stlcardsblues]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

Yes even if that’s the best move I don’t see bloom doing cards fans would never accept a guy not expected
To make the majors until until 2029. He is going for a ready or near ready prospect. He may take a low level high upside prospect but the headliner will be near ready or ready prospect

If they want to make Gonzalez a secondary piece, that would be fine. He can’t be the headliner.

[Jatalk]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

I agree with you

[ramfandan]

The Giants have been consistently listed as a front runner in a Donovan trade. Sometimes as the favorite. Looking at their farm system, I sure wish Eldridge was a part of a trade. Maybe it’s possible but if not, what else could the Giants put together that would interest us. If we would accept their #2 prospect (Gonzalez)what else do they have to interest us. Not a lot as far as pitching prospects and even their OF prospects aren’t great. I sure hope (and I assume Bloom has) done his homework and can find a package that is worth a Donovan. Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues.

We already have a young Winn as our future SS with Wetherholt on the horizon. We should probably take a closer look at the SF farm and see what might be there.

Maybe Davidson?? Not much interest in Whisenhunt from me. I’ve heard Tidwell’s name but not big on him either. Maybe Kilen but he’s only another piece. A RH pitcher Cayama?? A big arm but a ways away also. There are certainly better teams to choose from.

Your statement above :
Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues. Yes, he is 18 years old . As far as 'he's years away from the big leagues hmm? well he was compared with a talent Francisco Lindor .. Lindor played 99 games for the Cleveland Indians i 2015 at the age of 21 .
So the 'years away ' may come sooner than you think . If he continues like Lindor did , he could be a Cardinal at age 21 . Other top International guys have arrived in MLB at young ages.. Brewers Jackson Chourio was age 20 when Brewers brought him up . As far as continuing to play SS, well Chourio played both IF and OF as a teen , he ended up as OF. Who knows where a Gonzales could end up ? Top young talents often play SS and later move to other positons.
Yes, no guarantee how good he will be but his ceiling is quite high and Bloom (whether it's pitchers like Doyle )or a position player likes to go for the high ceiling types it appears.

[Ozziesfan41]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

Yes even if that’s the best move I don’t see bloom doing cards fans would never accept a guy not expected
To make the majors until until 2029. He is going for a ready or near ready prospect. He may take a low level high upside prospect but the headliner will be near ready or ready prospect

If they want to make Gonzalez a secondary piece, that would be fine. He can’t be the headliner.

Agree 100% the headliner Will have to be Eldridge which I don’t see the giants doing so i don’t see a deal with them. The Donovan trade will be blooms signature first year move. The Contreras gray and arenado moves were moves that weren’t good moves to the quacks that think they should have got massive hauls for them but most understand what they got back was about the best they could have got back given their age contracts and no trade clauses but bloom
Isn’t going to give up Donovan for prospects that may or may not make the majors by 2029 it just won’t happen he’s going for a headliner if he wasn’t going for a headliner Donovan would have been traded already

[Rollin' on the River]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

Why do we need a SS prospect that’s probably blocked for the next decade and a half?

[Whatashame]

The Giants have been consistently listed as a front runner in a Donovan trade. Sometimes as the favorite. Looking at their farm system, I sure wish Eldridge was a part of a trade. Maybe it’s possible but if not, what else could the Giants put together that would interest us. If we would accept their #2 prospect (Gonzalez)what else do they have to interest us. Not a lot as far as pitching prospects and even their OF prospects aren’t great. I sure hope (and I assume Bloom has) done his homework and can find a package that is worth a Donovan. Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues.

We already have a young Winn as our future SS with Wetherholt on the horizon. We should probably take a closer look at the SF farm and see what might be there.

Maybe Davidson?? Not much interest in Whisenhunt from me. I’ve heard Tidwell’s name but not big on him either. Maybe Kilen but he’s only another piece. A RH pitcher Cayama?? A big arm but a ways away also. There are certainly better teams to choose from.

Your statement above :
Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues. Yes, he is 18 years old . As far as 'he's years away from the big leagues hmm? well he was compared with a talent Francisco Lindor .. Lindor played 99 games for the Cleveland Indians i 2015 at the age of 21 .
So the 'years away ' may come sooner than you think . If he continues like Lindor did , he could be a Cardinal at age 21 . Other top International guys have arrived in MLB at young ages.. Brewers Jackson Chourio was age 20 when Brewers brought him up . As far as continuing to play SS, well Chourio played both IF and OF as a teen , he ended up as OF. Who knows where a Gonzales could end up ? Top young talents often play SS and later move to other positons.
Yes, no guarantee how good he will be but his ceiling is quite high and Bloom (whether it's pitchers like Doyle )or a position player likes to go for the high ceiling types it appears.

I’m all for getting the next Lindor and I appreciate the comparison but that’s a huge comparison. As far as moving him to the OF, sure it happens and maybe he’s the next CF option.

When I look at what the Giants have to offer they are far down the list of teams I would want to deal with. Looking at their prospect list, what do you think is a fair prospect trade. I’m not enthused about their pitching prospects. Just spitballing here but if we aren’t getting Eldridge then maybe something like Gonzalez (#2), Kilen (#3) and Davidson (#5) and maybe we can add a lower level prospect to Donovan. This wrecks their lower rated farm system but maybe they realize they don’t have much. Even that is not what I hoped for and we are still at least a couple years away from seeing any of these guys. What do you think is a fair return?

[TopofthePerch]

The Giants have been consistently listed as a front runner in a Donovan trade. Sometimes as the favorite. Looking at their farm system, I sure wish Eldridge was a part of a trade. Maybe it’s possible but if not, what else could the Giants put together that would interest us. If we would accept their #2 prospect (Gonzalez)what else do they have to interest us. Not a lot as far as pitching prospects and even their OF prospects aren’t great. I sure hope (and I assume Bloom has) done his homework and can find a package that is worth a Donovan. Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues.

We already have a young Winn as our future SS with Wetherholt on the horizon. We should probably take a closer look at the SF farm and see what might be there.

Maybe Davidson?? Not much interest in Whisenhunt from me. I’ve heard Tidwell’s name but not big on him either. Maybe Kilen but he’s only another piece. A RH pitcher Cayama?? A big arm but a ways away also. There are certainly better teams to choose from.

Your statement above :
Gonzalez is 18 yrs old in rookie ball. He’s years away from the big leagues. Yes, he is 18 years old . As far as 'he's years away from the big leagues hmm? well he was compared with a talent Francisco Lindor .. Lindor played 99 games for the Cleveland Indians i 2015 at the age of 21 .
So the 'years away ' may come sooner than you think . If he continues like Lindor did , he could be a Cardinal at age 21 . Other top International guys have arrived in MLB at young ages.. Brewers Jackson Chourio was age 20 when Brewers brought him up . As far as continuing to play SS, well Chourio played both IF and OF as a teen , he ended up as OF. Who knows where a Gonzales could end up ? Top young talents often play SS and later move to other positons.
Yes, no guarantee how good he will be but his ceiling is quite high and Bloom (whether it's pitchers like Doyle )or a position player likes to go for the high ceiling types it appears.

I’m all for getting the next Lindor and I appreciate the comparison but that’s a huge comparison. As far as moving him to the OF, sure it happens and maybe he’s the next CF option.

When I look at what the Giants have to offer they are far down the list of teams I would want to deal with. Looking at their prospect list, what do you think is a fair prospect trade. I’m not enthused about their pitching prospects. Just spitballing here but if we aren’t getting Eldridge then maybe something like Gonzalez (#2), Kilen (#3) and Davidson (#5) and maybe we can add a lower level prospect to Donovan. This wrecks their lower rated farm system but maybe they realize they don’t have much. Even that is not what I hoped for and we are still at least a couple years away from seeing any of these guys. What do you think is a fair return?

Btw I was just looking over this and Davidson apparently is number 87 on their preseason top 100 list. So that would give you a nice developmental piece in the outfield along with a very highly rated high ceiling infielder. That would get the conversation moving imo.

[ramfandan]

Not saying Gonzales would be the 'headliner' .. the article I got the speculation said it would be a piece to get the deal completed.
Some seem to focus on his 18 year old age and how long it may be til he makes the majors. Let me ask , I don't hear Cardinal fans concerned about when Cardinals 18 year old catcher Raniel Rodrriguez will make the majors. Bloom sure likes his profile .

I wanted more info on Gonzales talent rating .. Went to Baseball America (BA -highly regarded scouting rating service ) Here is their latest
Of the top overall 100 prospects , BA has Gonzales 30th To put this in perspective

30. JOSUAR GONZALES (one of top players in 2025 international draft ..given $2.9 M to sign..Scouts compared his skillset to Lindor and Reyes )

31. Eli Willits Nationals ( many Cardinal fans wanted Willits in 1st round in 2024.. he was selected 1st overall in 2024 draft )
32. Andrew Painter Phillies (drafted 13th overall by Phillies in 2021 )
33. Liam Doyle Cardinals ( drafted 1st round 5th overall )
34 Chase DeLauter Cleveland
35. Raniel Rodriguez Cardnals
36. Moises Ballesteros Cubs
37. Brody Hopkins Tampa Bay
38. Seth Hernandez Pittsburgh
39. Jamie Arnold Athletics

So without calling him the 'headliner' , his rating would sure be an 'important piece ' I would think Bloom would highly covet this kid looking at the list above of all the guys rated 30 thru 39 .

[2ninr]

Not saying Gonzales would be the 'headliner' .. the article I got the speculation said it would be a piece to get the deal completed.
Some seem to focus on his 18 year old age and how long it may be til he makes the majors. Let me ask , I don't hear Cardinal fans concerned about when Cardinals 18 year old catcher Raniel Rodrriguez will make the majors. Bloom sure likes his profile .

I wanted more info on Gonzales talent rating .. Went to Baseball America (BA -highly regarded scouting rating service ) Here is their latest
Of the top overall 100 prospects , BA has Gonzales 30th To put this in perspective

30. JOSUAR GONZALES (one of top players in 2025 international draft ..given $2.9 M to sign..Scouts compared his skillset to Lindor and Reyes )

31. Eli Willits Nationals ( many Cardinal fans wanted Willits in 1st round in 2024.. he was selected 1st overall in 2024 draft )
32. Andrew Painter Phillies (drafted 13th overall by Phillies in 2021 )
33. Liam Doyle Cardinals ( drafted 1st round 5th overall )
34 Chase DeLauter Cleveland
35. Raniel Rodriguez Cardnals
36. Moises Ballesteros Cubs
37. Brody Hopkins Tampa Bay
38. Seth Hernandez Pittsburgh
39. Jamie Arnold Athletics

So without calling him the 'headliner' , his rating would sure be an 'important piece ' I would think Bloom would highly covet this kid looking at the list above of all the guys rated 30 thru 39 .

There are deals I would be less exited about. Cards nation over rates Donovan. It's a pretty close deal even up. See what it takes to get Blade Tidwell or Carson Whisenhunt included and I'm on board. Risky but maybe worth it.

[ScotchMIrish]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

Yes even if that’s the best move I don’t see bloom doing cards fans would never accept a guy not expected
To make the majors until until 2029. He is going for a ready or near ready prospect. He may take a low level high upside prospect but the headliner will be near ready or ready prospect

The temptation would be to rush the prospect especially if Donovan does well which he likely will.

[ramfandan]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

The headliner for Donovan cannot be an 18 year old. We need a high prospect who is closer to the Majors. Otherwise hold Donovan until the price is paid.

Yes even if that’s the best move I don’t see bloom doing cards fans would never accept a guy not expected
To make the majors until until 2029. He is going for a ready or near ready prospect. He may take a low level high upside prospect but the headliner will be near ready or ready prospect

If they want to make Gonzalez a secondary piece, that would be fine. He can’t be the headliner.

Don't understand where all this 'Gonzales can't be the 'headliner' talk comes from ' ... The article did not say that and I certainly never said or implied that either. The article said that a deal could happen if Gonzales was included as a piece in the trade.
The 3rd post in the thread states Gonzales cannot be the headliner in a deal for Donovan ' and then subsequent several posts jumped on that .
Oh well !

[12xu]

If the Giants are willing to put Josuar Gonzalez in Brendan Donovan trade talks, the Cardinals may have a deal .
Gonzalez is 18 yr. old taken high in international draft . The SS is currently ranked as Giants No. 2 prospect after Eldridge



MLB .com has this :
Gonzalez showed off his all-around ability at an 18-and-under World Cup qualifier in Panama in August 2024, going 8-for-22 with more extra-base hits (four), walks (six) and steals (five) than strikeouts (three). Regarded as the top performer at that event and as the best position player in the 2025 international crop, he signed with the Giants for $2,997,500, the second-highest international bonus in franchise history. He has the highest ceiling in the system as a shortstop with the potential for plus tools across the board.
Though his ETA would be 2030 , he would be 22 years old then (unless he makes the big leagues in less time )


Baseball America have him listed as one of 10 players to crack the Top100 prospects after this upcoming season .


BA stated Gonzalez was an easy choice for the top prospect in the 2025 Dominican Summer League. Stateside evaluators got a sneak peek during instructional league, where the 17-year-old displayed standout athleticism and made the margin between him and Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge razor thin. If he performs to his capabilities, he has the potential to give San Francisco the top Arizona Complex League prospect for the second straight season.

More from MLB.com prospect profile
A switch-hitter, Gonzalez generates electric bat speed with ease from both sides of the plate. He's a more polished hitter from his natural left side but displays plenty of power as a righty as well. He'll need to develop more consistent timing with his leg kick but his compact stroke and advanced feel for the barrel could make him a .280 hitter with 25 homers on an annual basis once he's fully developed.

At least a plus runner, Gonzalez is a twitchy athlete with a quick first step who should become a basestealing threat. Scouts have no doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, where he has smooth actions and a strong arm. He has advanced instincts to go with his impressive physical ability and international scouts have compared him to the likes of Francisco Lindor and José Reyes.

Why do we need a SS prospect that’s probably blocked for the next decade and a half?

Read ramfandan's post above. 18 year old SS often change positions, as youngsters who can play SS are usually talented and athletic enough to play anywhere on the diamond, except for pitcher and catcher.