Giants send Bryce Eldridge down amid woeful offensive spring showing
San Francisco Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who hit only .225 and had 19 Ks in 40 at-bats this spring, was optioned out Thursday along with Tyler Fitzgerald and Grant McCray.
San Francisco Giants' Bryce Eldridge smiles as he celebrates his run scored against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 6, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D.
Franklin/Associated Press) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - As the spring wore on, it became ever more evident that Bryce E ldridge would have a tough time making the Opening Night roster, especially after a three-strikeout day Monday. Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants optioned their top prospect to minor-league camp along with infielder Tyler Fitzgerald and outfielder Grant McCray.
There's little doubt that Eldridge will be called up at some point soon, but the Giants probably would prefer him to be red-hot when they do. The 21-year-old was hitting . 225 with one homer and 19 strikeouts in 40 at-bats this spring and is still learning to play first base.
"He controls the strike zone, has power to all directions, but I think he needs to get out of his own way - that will unlock the player that he can be," said one NL scout who's seen most of Eldridge's games this spring. "He has a chance to have a combination of average and power with highish OBP, but he has to clear his mind. First base will always be a challenge for him.