During the early days of spring training, veterans Willy Adames and Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants took time to share an important message with the younger players: be yourself. This advice resonated deeply with Bryce Eldridge, a towering first baseman standing at 6-foot-7, who is already facing significant expectations.
Eldridge, who is entering his second major league spring training, found comfort in the words of his seasoned teammates. “They were just saying, “be yourself, don”t try to be anyone else,”” he reflected at his locker. “I think that was a good message to me. If I try and do more, I”m a power guy, I”m not going to wow anyone on the basepaths. I”m going to make the plays at first. If I try to be a slap hitter or bunt, I”m going to try and be myself, not go outside of that and not compare myself to others. I think that”ll keep me in a good space.”
At just 21 years old, Eldridge is eager to absorb everything he can, especially considering he was selected 16th overall in the first round of the 2023 amateur draft from James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia. After going through his pregame routine recently, he took a moment to connect with fans, spending around ten minutes signing autographs for children near the Giants” dugout.
Making his major league debut on September 15, Eldridge recorded three hits in 28 at-bats, including two doubles, and struck out 13 times over ten games. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It”s been awesome. Compared to last year, I was kind of on my toes a little bit, a little nervous, uncomfortable just being around a lot of new guys and being in a new situation for the first time. But this year I feel really relaxed.”
He attributes his comfort to having played alongside his teammates last spring and at the end of the previous season, which helped him adjust to the team”s dynamics and coaching staff. “Definitely a lot more relaxed this year, just trying to continue to be myself and not be anyone else,” he added.
Buster Posey, the president of baseball operations for the Giants, has not yet confirmed where Eldridge will begin the season. There is a possibility he will start at Triple-A Sacramento to gain further experience, especially as the Giants anticipate a more significant role for him soon, likely as a vital hitter in the lineup given his impressive power potential.
During his brief stint with the Giants, Eldridge posted an average exit velocity of 95.6 mph, showcasing elite bat speed and solid plate discipline, although he has also faced challenges with strikeouts. He has only accumulated 321 plate appearances over 74 games at the Triple-A level in the last two years.
Manager Tony Vitello expressed excitement about Eldridge”s development, indicating that as his defensive skills improve, his overall game will also progress. Infield instructor Ron Washington has noted the positive strides Eldridge has made.
“He takes it all in,” Vitello commented. “I think for a kid who was drafted where he was drafted and all that, he could approach things differently with his teammates and kind of be like, “I got it,” but he seems to be wanting to soak up information. When you”re like that, then people want to go to you even more, and so I think all of his teammates do a good job of looking after him and providing advice. On top of it, he”s pretty gifted. If you give him something to work on or something to do, he takes to it pretty quick.”
To remain grounded amid the pressures of professional baseball, Eldridge relies on his strong faith and family connections, having stayed at home in Virginia during the offseason. “It kind of just goes back to my faith, my family”s very big on faith,” he stated. “Just not letting baseball be my entire life.”
