Prospect Spotlight: Jhonny Level, SS, Giants
Jhonny Level is emerging as one of the more intriguing switch-hitting infielders in the lower minors, pairing contact and barrel consistency with surprising pop for his age. After a strong 2024 DSL debut, he’s backed it up stateside in 2025 with a balanced slash, above-average approach, and impact contact quality for an 18-year-old. Collectors are not taking much notice: his Bowman Chrome 1st autos are selling low, with base autos moving in the mid double-digits and color commanding lower than average bids for raw. A solid buy window likely exists well into the preseason.
True color (blue/gold) is already pricing in a Top-10 org prospect trajectory, but not yet the full “can’t-miss” premium leaving room if he finishes 2025 with continued plate discipline gains and keeps the exit velos trending up.
| Height / Weight | B/T | Signed/Drafted | Org. Rank | Rule-5 EL | ETA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jhonny Level | 5'10"" / 154–160 | S/R | 2024 IFA (VEN), ~$1.0M bonus | Giants Top 10 (2025) | 2027 | Late 2027–2028 |
1. Performance Snapshot
| Year | Level | G | PA | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | SB | BB% | K% | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | DSL (SF) | 50 | — | .275 | .393 | .517 | 10 | — | ~12 | ~17 | — |
| 2025 | ACL (SF) | 50 | 223 | .290 | .381 | .495 | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | Low-A (SJ) | 48 | 215 | .276 | .394 | .516 | 10 | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 2 levels | 98 | 438 | .283 | .387 | .505 | 17 | — | — | — | — |
Context:
- Age-relative performance: 18 at complex/Low-A, producing mid-.800s OPS with real power growth is strong for level.
- OBP skills travel: double-digit walk rates since debut, K% generally in the mid-to-high teens.
- Early signs of platoon balance as a switch-hitter; damage not limited to one side.
2. Advanced Indicators
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Contact % | ~77–80% | Above-average for 18-year-old; supports hit-tool optimism. |
| Chase % | ~24–26% | Better-than-level discipline; projects to sustain OBP. |
| In-Zone Whiff % | ~12–14% | Matches reports of compact, fast barrel; manageable whiffs. |
| 90th EV | ~100–101 mph | Notable for age; supports 20+ HR upside as he fills out. |
| GB/FB | Neutral to slightly fly-ball leaning | Allows game power to play without selling out. |
| Pull% | Average | Uses whole field with line-drive bias early; room to add pull-driven HRs. |
Notes: Early data from 2024–2025 scouting and org reports point to elite bat speed, a low zone-miss profile, and a top-decile 90th EV for his peer group. That mix of contact quality plus swing decisions drives confidence the power will scale without spiking swing-and-miss.
3. Scouting Grades (Present / Future)
| Tool | Hit | Game Power | Raw Power | Run | Field | Arm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | 50 / 60 | 45 / 55 | 50 / 55 | 55 / 55 | 50 / 55 | 55 |
- Hit: Switch-hitter with efficient paths and strong barrel control; low IZ whiff and reasonable chase underpin a future above-average hit tool.
- Game Power: Now power shows up via line-drive carry and growing fly-ball authority; 18–22 HR upside as he matures.
- Raw Power: 90th EV around 100+ mph at 18 is a green flag; likely adds a tick with strength gains.
- Run: Above-average underway; should hold 55 as body adds strength.
- Field: Athletic actions with improving footwork; projects to stick on the dirt.
- Arm: Plus-leaning carry and accuracy; fits across SS/3B.
4. Organizational Fit & MLB Outlook
- Shortstop today with a realistic multi-spot infield path; the arm plays at third and the hands/instincts give him a chance to stay at short if the footwork keeps trending up.
- Giants infield depth is crowded at the upper levels, and the Giants have a highly hyped prospect in Josuar Gonzalez at the position, but there’s a clear developmental runway at A/AA. Realistic MLB ETA late 2027 to 2028 with everyday upside if the hit/power combo scales to Double-A.
5. Sentiment & Market Buzz
- Positive notes from prospect outlets highlight elite bat speed, advanced zone contact, and rare DSL power for his age.
- Early 2025 stateside production has reinforced the narrative: disciplined switch-hitter with impact contact quality.
- Dynasty interest is rising given age-to-level dominance and stickiness of underlying skills (contact quality + decisions).
- Not yet a universal “pop” name, which provides hobby entry points ahead of a potential Top 100 climb if he finishes 2025 strong.
6. Bowman Hobby Outlook
Recent SOLD comps (raw unless noted; ranges reflect typical clean copies over the last 30–45 days, excluding obvious outliers):
- Bowman Chrome 1st Auto Base (RAW): $20-30
- Bowman Chrome 1st Auto True Blue /150 (RAW): $200+
- Bowman Chrome 1st Auto True Gold /50 (RAW): $300+
Collector angle:
- Entry point: Base autos offer accessible buys; look for clean autos and centering.
- Upside wedge: True Blue /150 is the sweet spot historically for Giants infielders with real bat skill—color match isn’t a factor, so focus on eye appeal and grading potential.
- Risk factors: Position isn’t locked; if he slides to 3B, hobby value must ride the bat. Age-to-level gives a longer runway, but volatility is higher pre-High-A.
- A strong April at High-A or an in-season Top 100 debut could up color by 25–40%.
Bottom line: Level’s blend of bat speed, decision-making, and age-relative performance is the right kind of skill stack to bet on early. If he posts similar contact-quality at Low-A/High-A next year, Blue/Gold could step higher, with PSA 10 base moving from the low-$200s into the $300s range on real Top 100 momentum.
Buy/Wait/Sell: Level remains a BUY for us and a continued fun, affordable chase in Bowman 2025. Target the true color autos and see keep an eye on this guy going into next year.