Bryce Eldridge optioned in latest round of cuts
The Giants’ top prospect didn’t force his way onto the roster but had a solid Spring Training.
MESA, AZ - MARCH 08: Bryce Eldridge #8 of the San Francisco Giants greets a staff member prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on Sunday, March 8, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by George Gaza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images In a teeny tiny bit of a shocker, the San Francisco Giants have optioned top prospect Bryce Eldridge to Triple-A Sacramento, according to Maria Guardado via social media . Joining him are IF/OF Tyler Fitzgerald and OF Grant McCray, bringing a lot of the roster decision questions towards a swift answer.
It looks like the team is prepared to feature a heavy right-handed lineup and depth chart to kickoff the season. Through April, they’re up against the following potential starting left-handed pitchers: Max Fried (Yankees), David Petersen and/or Sean Manaea (Mets), Cristopher Sanchez and/or Jesus Luzardo (Phillies), Trevor Rogers (Orioles), Andrew Abbott and/or Nick Lodolo (Reds), Foster Griffin (Nationals), and Braxton Garrett (Marlins). I say “teeny tiny” because, although Eldridge leads the team in plate appearances (49) for this Cactus League season and is slugging a solid .
450, he does lead the team in strikeouts (19) by a healthy margin and he’s hitting just . 225, and he was just 3-for-his-last-18 with 1 extra base hit before the option. For a team that’s oversteering back towards batting average being the primary factor in valuing a hitter, that’s too ugly to ignore.
In spite of Jerar Encarnacion’s . 283 on base percentage and 0 walks, he’s hitting . 289 and slugging .