Bryce Eldridge Makes Strides as Giants’ First Baseman

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Last summer, Bryce Eldridge was still figuring out the nuances of playing in the outfield. He found himself struggling with basic skills, like tracking the batter instead of just following the ball when it was pitched.

Although he wasn’t part of the Opening Day lineup, the 21-year-old first baseman feels he’s successfully addressed concerns about his defense this spring.

“My defense was a bit of a question mark for them,” Eldridge shared with the California Post, shortly before being informed of his camp selection. “I think I made a solid first play. If they give me a shot at it, I believe I’m capable of being an above-average major league first baseman.”

The question of whether Eldridge would make the Opening Day roster was one of the more intriguing topics during Tony Vitello’s inaugural spring training as manager of the Giants.

Eldridge made his MLB debut last September but has played just 84 games above Double-A. Despite his relative inexperience, he aimed to go beyond mere defense.

“I think there were questions about his position,” Vitello commented. “But he’s shown real potential—not just to hold down first base but to excel defensively there.”

Interestingly, while he’s known for his batting skills, Eldridge appeared less at ease at the plate than in the infield. The Giants anticipate that he will reduce his 38.7% strikeout rate this spring. As Vitello pointed out, “Given his size and strength, he’s just going to become more formidable as a hitter.” In simpler terms, he needs to be more disciplined about laying off bad pitches.

“I think he’s proven he belongs in the major leagues,” Giants general manager Zach Minassian told the Post. “While we’ve focused on his defense, he’s getting more comfortable overall at first base. His offense has improved significantly. Consistently putting the ball in play is crucial for him.”

Being assigned to Triple-A Sacramento should provide Eldridge with the opportunity to practice daily, including working on his baserunning—a skill that can be tricky given his tall, lanky stature. With six out of his nine hits going for extra bases, it’s clear he has potential to build on.

“When you’re this tall, it’s tricky to control your body,” he explained. “Learning effective running mechanics is something I’ve not practiced much before.”

It’s likely the Giants are pleased with Eldridge’s adaptability.

Vitello’s first encounter with Eldridge dates back to when he was a teenager, attempting to recruit him to Tennessee. During that time, Eldridge was still splitting his focus between pitching and outfielding. He went from A-ball to Triple-A in the same year, not fully committing to first base until 2024, which was his first complete professional season.

Initially, he faced some challenges with routine plays. However, this spring he demonstrated skills that few first basemen possess, thanks to his unique combination of size and athleticism.

“There were a few plays that I don’t typically see from other first basemen,” Vitello noted, appreciating Eldridge’s improved footwork.

Under the guidance of Ron Washington, a respected infield coach, and Will Clark, a Giants legend, Eldridge has made notable progress. Last year, he developed a close relationship with former first baseman JT Snow, who has won six Gold Glove awards.

During his time in Sacramento, Snow stated that he felt Eldridge opened up about his defensive issues, leading to improvements. Snow said, “Everyone in the organization agreed he was better than he was on day one. We put in the effort, and he made strides.”

Eldridge mentioned feeling confused about cutoffs and relays at times. Snow advised him to look to the third base coach when gauging whether a runner would be sent home. Rather than dwelling on the pitcher’s windup, they focused on the hitting zone and the catcher.

Eldridge has now logged over 200 games as a first baseman, adding 19 more this spring. While he faced competition for playing time from Rafael Devers, he should find ample opportunities in Sacramento.

“I truly feel like I’ve accomplished those key aspects I worked on with Snow,” he remarked.

“These are skills that with experience become second nature,” he added. “It does take time and practice, but I’ve gained enough repetition to build my confidence.”

If anyone still questions whether Eldridge is being seriously considered for the Opening Day roster, all they have to do is look at his playing time; he ranks second on the team in at-bats.

The Giants were clearly assessing his potential closely.

They’ve shown enough faith that it’s likely they’ll see him again soon.

Vitello remarked that Eldridge took the news of not making the opening roster “like a pro.” He added, “He’ll be with us when the time is right. His work ethic and character point to a bright future.”