Call to the pen
Fansided

San Francisco Giants former prospect Gustavo Cabrera passes from COVID-19

By David Hill

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 08: A San Francisco Giants batting helmet in the dugout before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 08: A San Francisco Giants batting helmet in the dugout before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Gustavo Cabrera had numerous setbacks in his life. The former San Francisco Giants minor leaguer had been considered a top prospect, but his career was derailed by a horrible accident that nearly cost him his hand. Although he attempted a comeback, those injuries eventually forced him into retirement.

Cabrera had also become infected with COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic. On Monday, he lost his battle with the virus, passing away at just 25 years old.

Remembering former San Francisco Giants prospect Gustavo Cabrera

Cabrera was considered one of the top international prospects in the 2012-13 signing period. The Giants were able to ink him to a $1.3 million signing bonus and he made his debut the following year. He showed the potential that made him a highly regarded prospect, posting a .247/.379/.360 batting line in 229 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League, stealing 21 bases as he appeared to be a future weapon atop the Giants’ lineup.

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Then disaster struck. Cabrera was involved in a horrific car accident that offseason, requiring multiple surgeries on his wrist and arm. For a time, it was thought that he would lose his hand from his injuries. Doctors were able to save his hand, and after missing the entire 2014 and most of the 2015 campaign, Cabrera attempted a comeback.

Unfortunately, Cabrera was unable to return to the form he showed in his debut. He managed just 268 plate appearances over the next three seasons, showing flashes of his former potential. He also endured more surgeries and rehab, as the injuries continued to take their toll. Eventually, he retired in 2018 at just 22 years old.

This is not how it was supposed to end. Cabrera was supposed to be in the majors at this point, using his speed to set the table for the Giants’ lineup. He was expected to be a key part of the future, someone that the team could build around. Instead, his career, and ultimately his life, ended far too soon.

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Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former San Francisco Giants prospect Gustavo Cabrera, who passed away due to COVID at 25 years old.

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