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.
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.
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.
I would not trade Eldridge, he’s has the makings of a future superstar. Good job on getting Luis Hernandez, a future superstar again.
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?