SF Giants general manager leaves door slightly open to trading top prospect

The July 31st trade deadline is fast approaching. The SF Giants appear likely to try and buy to make a run at the playoffs. Top prospect Bryce Eldridge has been thought of as untouchable in trade talks, but that may not be completely true.

Appearing on KNBR recently, Giants general manager Zack Minasian was asked whether Eldridge was untouchable in trade talks and he did not completely say yes:

SF Giants GM leaves door slightly open to trading Bryce Eldridge

Minasian said: "I've always kind of operated with there are no untouchables. It's certainly not something I'm anticipating, when I envision Bryce's career it's as a Giant long term."

Clearly, the front office does not want to trade Eldridge. He is a young talent with a lot of promise and the Giants are hoping that he can develop into a fearsome presence in the middle of their order for years to come.

Yet, if the Giants receive an offer they cannot refuse then maybe Eldridge could be dealt. Minasian is doing the right thing here by keeping all options open. As a GM, it is always good to be open to all possibilities and not box yourself into a corner that you may have to explain your way out of in the future.

Eldridge is the top prospect in the organization and has looked good in the minor leagues this year. He hit well enough in Double-A Richmond to earn a promotion to Triple-A Sacramento. His numbers in Sacramento have not been as strong as he is slashing .220/.267/.451 with five home runs and 19 runs batted in in across 22 games.

It is important to remember that Eldridge injured his hamstring and was out nearly a month so he may still be trying to get back in the swing of things. He did just hit an impressive walk-off homer so maybe that will heat up his bat.

The Giants probably want to see more out of him in Triple-A before they call him up to the big leagues this season. It is a possibility that he could be promoted at some point though if the Giants have some injuries at first base or if their offense goes cold.

Minasian leaving the door open to trading Eldridge seems to be more an instance of an executive keeping all their doors open rather than a genuine desire to move him. Yet, we know president of baseball operations Buster Posey is aggressive and likes to win so if a deal is to available that includes Eldridge that he thinks will help the team make a World Series run he may just do it.

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