Scouts are reportedly 'weirdly split' on top SF Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge

One of the biggest questions coming into spring training for the SF Giants was whether top prospect Bryce Eldridge could do enough to make the Opening Day roster. The answer to that question is not any clearer roughly halfway through Cactus League play, and scouts are reportedly split on where Eldridge should start the year.

San Francisco Chronicle reporter Susan Slusser appeared on the Splash Hit Territory podcast and said the following about what she has heard from scouts on Eldridge: "They are so weirdly split on Bryce Eldridge. There's a bunch that think he needs more time...a lot of them think, 'Don't rush him.' Then there are scouts who are like, 'Oh, yeah. I'd put him in there right now.'"

Scouts split on best path for Bryce Eldridge

Slusser went on to say that many of the scouts in favor of Eldridge starting the year with the Giants are from teams that do not have as much talent or who have a lot of young talent on the roster.

Eldridge has done a lot of good things in spring training so far. He has five hits in 19 at-bats including three doubles and a home run. Arguably his most impressive swing thus far came against Paul Skenes on a ball that he smoked to center field even though it was caught.

He rubbed shoulders with members of Team USA who spoke highly of him so it is clear that the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old and the expectations he has for himself are equally high.

At the same time, he is so young and the Giants probably would be smart to take it slow with him. Having him start the year with the Giants, likely as an everyday designated hitter, puts a lot of pressure on him. What if he has an awful first month and they have to demote him? That sort of blow to his confidence could be catastrophic.

The smarter strategy is to have him start the year in Sacramento and call him up when he gets hot. That way he is coming up with even more confidence and momentum rather than having all that pressure on him right away.

The decision is not easy for the Giants, though. They have to determine what is best for the team and if they think rolling with Eldridge is what is best then that is what they'll do.