Giants rookie first baseman Bryce Eldridge was the subject of some early-offseason trade speculation. San Francisco entered the winter seeking pitching but didn’t appear poised to spend at the top of the free agent market. That led to chatter about Eldridge being included in a trade package for a controllable starter with a top-of-the-rotation ceiling (e.g. MacKenzie Gore).
That kind of move has always seemed like a long shot, as position player prospects of Eldridge’s caliber rarely get moved. The 21-year-old has taken the rumors in stride, saying over the weekend that he has worked to ignore the speculation. “I try not to get too wrapped up in anything going on. … I don’t know how far those talks got,” Eldridge said at Giants FanFest (link via Maria Guardado of MLB.com). “But I want to be here. I want to play for this team. I don’t plan on leaving here anytime soon. I hope they don’t plan on making me leave anytime soon.”
The 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Eldridge spent most of last year between the top two minor league levels. He hit 25 homers while combining for a .260/.333/.510 batting line across 433 plate appearances. The 6’7″ Eldridge struck out in more than 29% of his trips to the plate but was an above-average hitter at both minor league stops at age 20. The Giants called him up in the middle of September. He’s not a lock to break camp because of the strikeout questions, yet they’ll surely expect him to play a big role over the course of the season.
Eldridge underwent postseason surgery to address a bone spur in his left wrist. He said he’s essentially at full strength, noting that he’s in the final stages of his hitting program. Eldridge should enter camp healthy as he battles for the starting first base/designated hitter job in what would be a split between the two positions with Rafael Devers.
There’s also uncertainty at the other position on the right side of the infield. The Giants are reportedly making a push for second baseman, and they’ve been linked to Brendan Donovan and to Stanford product Nico Hoerner (a longer shot to move). If they don’t land a big-ticket upgrade, the starting job would fall to Casey Schmitt. He took over from the struggling Tyler Fitzgerald midseason and turned in a league average .237/.305/.401 line in 95 games.
Schmitt is also working back from left wrist surgery — a carpal boss removal, in his case. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle relays that the righty-hitting infielder resumed hitting off a tee last week. He might be a little behind schedule in March but seems to be well on track for Opening Day. Schmitt would vie for his first career Opening Day start if he’s healthy and the Giants don’t come away with a marquee trade pickup.
If they do land someone like Donovan, Schmitt would probably work as a multi-positional infielder off the bench. He’s a natural third baseman and has some shortstop experience, but there aren’t many reps available in a left side infield featuring Matt Chapman and Willy Adames. Slusser reports that the Giants have gotten calls from other teams about Schmitt in the two years since they signed Chapman, but his versatility and remaining minor league option mean they’re not under any pressure to deal him.
While Giants fans hope for some kind of big swing to improve the MLB roster, they made a notable move on the minor league side last week. San Francisco officially signed Venezuelan infield prospect Luis Hernández on January 15. His $5MM signing bonus was the biggest for any player in this year’s international period.
MLB Pipeline also ranked the right-handed hitter as the best prospect in the class on talent, praising his polish and all-around skillset. Ben Badler of Baseball America writes that many scouts consider Hernández the top amateur prospect though BA itself doesn’t rank international signees. Hernández, who turned 17 last month, isn’t the biggest player at 5’10” and certainly won’t be an MLB factor for years but represents an intriguing add for the player development department.
First I’ve heard of a Eldridge surgery. Not a big deal but not small either.
Giant fans aren’t happy with the offseason. But Devers trade was already the big acquisition. The rest of the team has to step up. Sleepy Bob is gone. I predict Tony V lights a fire under some of these guys and we see better results. Also, Giants have been actively trying to make trades but other teams, like the Cards, want MLB ready players, not prospects. Tough trade market right now.
You speak for all Giants fans? I’m totally fine with the offseason. We have a strong team and a new manager who won’t be sleeping on the job. If BoMel had napped just a little less we would’ve made the post season. It’s already going to be so much better not having to be tortured watching Sleepy Bob snore thru postgame wraps.
I hope they give 2B to Casey and RF to Matos.
I agree that Melvin is a poor manager, especially in todays game. But do you honestly believe his calm demeanor is why these grown men professional athletes didn’t try to win? Or that they WEREN’T trying to win? I remember him taking over for Farhan and everyone was absolutely positive that he was going to turn this mess around – with largely the same roster. Sometimes it’s the players, not the coach.
There’s really no scientific way to know, but his was not simply a calm demeanor, he showed zero spunk, especially when the team lost. No fire whatsoever. He was robotic and uninspiring not just to the players, but to the fans. He gave us nothing. A manager most definitely has the job of keeping his players fired up and focused. Yes, they are “grown men”, but they’re also 20-30 yr olds who sometimes need some fire put under them.
TellItGoodbye —
You can TELL IT GOODBYE to the 2026 season if you think this current Giants roster—even with Tony Vitello steering the ship—is going to be anything but a poor also ran. Probably 4th place in the NL West.
Cardinals are fine with prospects. It just has the be the right ones. Rumors have mentioned Whitman, Arias, Martinez, Whisenhunt, and Kilen, but none of those prospects are really headliners for Donovan.
Yeah, I agree with mack423 that they’d be fine with prospects, not MLB-ready guys, to better fit with the rebuild timeline. I don’t agree that guys like Kilen and Whisenhunt aren’t enough, It’s entirely possible the Cards are asking for those guys, and Buster is the one saying no.
Need a second baseman and a right fielder at the least.
Marvin Bernard and Rich Aurillia
Robby Thompson and Hunter Pence
Stick to ham & swiss.
Richie was a shortstop.
Was. Rich may not quite have the range to cover short these days. Moving to the other side of the keystone probably makes sense.
None of the above makes sense.
Oh I’m sorry please forgive me sir
Only if I get the fruit snacks, and a cracker to be named later.
You get nothing and like it!
Well that’s a strange concept of enjoyment.
Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, sir.
So you don’t mind that the ownership keeps investing into everything but the Giants and they have no passion for winning? They just hope to get enough dumb fans interested to make money. That’s what you want to root for?
They made a pretty good investment in the infield in the last year, and a fairly large investment in the coaching staff so far this year. I got over the theater acquisition, maybe you can too.
you sound so brainwashed lol. bet you’re the kind of guy who roots for billionaires over regular people too 🙂
Don’t bet on something you have no idea about, like me for instance.
Lol’s are for teenyboppers.
There is a billionaire v regular people hill to die on ?
Ha ha. Ok then.
It’s lonely here man.
Does Uber Eats deliver up here ?
Looks like starvation is imminent.
Can you please direct me towards Billionaire Hill?
oldgfan—
Yes, but …why go this far and then do nothing as Chapman and the others age? Giants have the money. With the current contracts, ownership needs to allow for a bit more than Houser & Mahle.
Pete, Totally agree that there is a window of opportunity with the aging players. If it was my team I would have went as hard after Bichette as they did with Adames last year. I would also get Valdez. Not my team though. Framber is still out there, and the offseason ain’t over yet. Swooped in last year, so it could happen. I do think they will be hard after Skubal as well by trade or next year FA.
Cut through Tin Pan Alley, go left on Electric Ave, then right on Easy Street, straight up the hill.
Tito Fuentes and Bobby Bonds
Tito Fuentes and Willie Mays.
Jeff Kent & Barry Bonds
John Patterson and Cory Snyder
Nico Hoerner and Nicky 2 Sticks Castellanos
Casey Schmitt could be the starting 3b for a few teams. He’s got a canon for an arm, is Gold Glove quality at 3b, and has some pop. He needs to continue to cut down on the k’s and it wouldn’t surprise me—if the Giants land a new second baseman—that Casey gets dealt. I think that’s when he’ll come into his own.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he is part of the package for Donovan
If Eldridge is going to the Cards, Donovan is part of the package back.
Pete’s View was talking about Schmitt and my response was to him. Eldridge better not get traded for 2 years of a 2nd baseman!
They are not trading Eldridge for Donavan
The Cards don’t have a package that could get Bryce.
Eldridge not going to Cards – def not for Donovan – would be a massive overpay
Eldridge has potential to become face of the Giants
I would be surprised if a Donovan trade even happens at this point. It’s been too long to be engaged with that, so STL is most likely holding out for Eldridge +
Not worth it. Getting too close to ST too.
Looking forward to plan G at this point.
Baseball77—
Agreed.
Pete: Even if they sign a 2B, I would think Schmitt stays as the backup and utility role. His upside is much higher than Koss. And don’t get me wrong. I think Koss opened some eyes and did a really good job but unless he bulked up a lot over the winter he doesn’t have the pop that Casey has. It very well could mean Schmitt goes in a trade though as you say. Lots of variables I suppose.
Yeah, I agree Schmitt’s ability to play both positions on the left side make him the better utility guy. But Koss has been better defensively at 2B than Schmitt. IDK, but if 2B comes down to what’s in house, I lean towards Koss. I view 2B as an important up the middle position, and between 2 marginal players I want the better defender. HR power is nice, but not important at 2B IMO. Plus Schmitt’s best asset is his arm, which is wasted at 2B.
I would not trade Eldridge, he’s has the makings of a future superstar. Good job on getting Luis Hernandez, a future superstar again.
Eldridge > Gore
No
I agree with Big Whiffa. I think the value of Eldridge is greater than Gore’s.
No. As much as Gore is enticing, he’s still questionable in enough ways, Giants would not deal Bryce straight up for him. But sure, if Nationals want to throw in James Woods (ha, ha).
I agree on ha ha with Woods also. He sure looks like star in the making. I would think Woods is close to untouchable at this time.
If you have Eldridge and Devers, you keep them both and play them. This isn’t exactly rocket science. This team hasn’t hit for years now they finally have some bangers and you think they’ll trade from that lineup? I just don’t see that happening unless it’s something massive massive.
Eldridge to Denmark for Greenland. Where’s my Peace Prize, Norway?
Don’t those come from Venezuela now?
And a country to be named later!
I think we need to trade Washington DC to Siberia for cash considerations.
DFA him. Quickly.
Schmidt will get reps even if Donovan is acquired as he missed almost 50 games, and Chapman missed nearly 40. And in a few rest days and Schmidt gets 400 PAs as a utility player…
Tonyins:I agree with everything except I don’t see Chapman missing that many games at all. But yes, if he’s out Schmitt is a quality fill in. I’ve been saying the Giants should start Schmitt at 2B and give him the same amount of playing time as we saw with Fitzgerald last year until he needed sent down. I have a hunch Schmitt will have a breakout year. On a different note, the signing of Hernandez was really good. I know he’s a prospect and anything can happen (Luciano) but It was a solid move that may pay benefits in the future.
“…the Giants should start Schmitt at 2B and give him the same amount of playing time as we saw with Fitzgerald last year”
I think basically Schmitt has gotten that. Fitzgerald played more games at 2B last season, 69 to 53. But overall Schmitt has played more games at 2B, 91 to Fitzgerald’s 75. I’d love it if Schmitt broke out and became the guy a lot of fans think he could be, but I don’t see it.
Jean: I meant give Schmitt the 2B job on opening day and let him stay there as long as possible. Pretty much the same as Fitzgerald in 2025. Fitzgerald failed and had to be sent down. Schmitt comes to spring training and it’s his job to lose from day 1. Being named a starter for any player shows the team has confidence in them. Once the season starts it’s sink or swim. Schmitt will not fail as bad as Fitzgerald did.
Well I think that has to be the plan short of an upgrade at 2B. Except, I wouldn’t just give Schmitt the job, unless he’s earned it at the end of ST. I’d like to see him and Koss compete for the opening day slot. I thought about adding Fitzgerald to the competition, but I have little faith that he’s changed his game that dramatically.
Jesus Rodriguez C
Luis Hernandez. 3B
Josuar Gonzales SS
Gavin Kilen. 2B
Bryce Eldridge 1B
Around the diamond in 2030
Dreaming. If 2 of those 5 are right, then the Giants will be very happy
Possibly sooner.
Not sure if Luis Rengifo is an upgrade over Schmitt but he and Adam Frazier represent the best remaining options in free agency. Seems like the Giants have been linked to Donovan all winter, I’m surprised with the young starters the Giants have that they haven’t been able to get a deal done
Rengifo is not a better option. He’ll tantalize at times with hot streaks but consistently underwhelms on both sides of the ball.
Adam Frazier is a non-starter (pun intended). If that were the case, I’d rather go with Casey though still hoping for an upgrade
Well said, Bryce. Nicely done young man.
Lee got his full year of MLB experience. The speed on the grass is evident.
Be good for the Giants if he can take a step forward with the bat this year.
A nothing article.
To the Red Sox for Crawford and Casas
Why would the Giants want Casas? They already have a 1B in Devers. Eldridge sharing 1B and DH with Devers isn’t ideal. If they were to trade Eldridge they wouldn’t want another 1B/DH type as part of the package.