SF Giants middle infield prospect among highest risers in MLB Pipeline's new top-100 list

Last week, MLB Pipeline updated its top-100 prospect list. The SF Giants had two prospects make the list, with middle infield prospect Josuar Gonzalez among the highest risers.

SF Giants middle infield prospect among highest risers in MLB Pipeline's new top-100 list

Bryce Eldridge came in at No. 12, which was one spot higher than his ranking earlier this year. On the other hand, Gonzalez moved up 16 spots, going from No. 98 to No. 82.

The switch-hitter was regarded as one of the top prospects in last year's international free agency cycle. He received a signing bonus of just under $3 million out of the Dominican Republic. Djean Macares out of Aruba and Yulian Barreto out of Venezuela were some of the other top prospects signed by the Giants in last year's cycle.

Gonzalez quickly lived up to the expectations that often coming with a large signing bonus. He slashed .288/.404/.455 (129 wRC+) with four home runs, 24 RBI, and 52 runs in 228 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League (DSL).

The 17-year-old prospect also showed off solid bat-to-ball skills, with a 15.8 percent strikeout rate and a 78.9 percent contact rate. Plus, he swiped 33 bases in 38 opportunities. Not surprisingly, Gonzalez was joined by Barreto and pitching prospect Alberto Laroche as the Giants contingent for the DSL All-Star team.

It might be a few years before Giants fans see Gonzalez, but it might not be long before they see Bryce Eldridge again.

The left-handed hitter began the season with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, but received a promotion to Triple-A after just 34 games. Overall, he put up a .260/.333/.510 line with 25 home runs and 84 RBI in 433 plate appearances split across three minor league levels. Eldridge led all Giants minor leaguers in home runs.

The Giants gave Eldridge a last-season promotion after Dominic Smith landed on the injured list. The overall numbers were not strong. He recorded three hits and 13 strikeouts in 28 at-bats.

However, Eldridge did make a lot of loud contact, making it easy to project him as an above-average power bat. While he may not start next season with the club, there is a good chance that he will have a prominent role with the Giants in 2026.

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