Here’s a story that challenges everything you think you know about baseball’s draft system: Parks Harber, a player who went undrafted despite a stellar senior year at North Carolina in 2024—including 20 home runs and a 1.073 OPS—is now turning heads in the San Francisco Giants’ organization. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was the draft system blind to his potential, or did Harber simply slip through the cracks? Fast forward to 2026, and the 24-year-old third baseman is anything but an afterthought. Acquired by the Giants from the Yankees in the 2025 Camilo Doval trade, Harber has been on fire, dominating both High-A Eugene and the Arizona Fall League with his unique skill set.
Giants farm director Kyle Haines describes Harber as a rare blend of talents: “He has power to all fields, but it’s not just his power that stands out. It’s his ability to hit a variety of pitches to different parts of the field. He’s a hitter first and a power hitter second.” This versatility was on full display in Eugene, where he smashed seven home runs and posted a 1.097 OPS in just 25 games. In the AFL, he continued to impress with three homers and a staggering 1.196 OPS in 17 games.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Harber’s physicality is undeniable. His college career, split between Georgia and UNC, saw him excel at both corner infield positions. While Haines believes Harber could be an everyday third baseman, the Giants’ current roster—with Matt Chapman at third and Rafael Devers or Bryce Eldridge at first—may push him into a utility role. And this is the part most people miss: Harber has also spent time in the outfield, giving the Giants flexibility to deploy him wherever he’s most needed.
Harber’s journey isn’t unique in the Giants’ system. Outfielder Bo Davidson, another undrafted gem signed in July 2023, proves that talent often lies beyond the draft’s final rounds. “It’s a testament to players like Harber and Davidson that they didn’t let being undrafted define them,” Haines said. “They used it as motivation, and it’s a reminder that value doesn’t end when the draft does.”
Controversial question for you: Does the MLB draft system need an overhaul to better identify overlooked talent like Harber and Davidson? Or is it up to players to prove their worth post-draft? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
