SF Giants power-hitting prospect to undergo wrist surgery

Bryce Eldridge's offseason regimen will be delayed by eight weeks. According to Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News, the SF Giants' power-hitting prospect is set to undergo wrist surgery, with an estimated recovery timeline of eight weeks.

SF Giants power-hitting prospect to undergo wrist surgery

Eldridge's 2025 season was slowed by a wrist injury. He began the year with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, but received a bump up to the Sacramento River Cats after 34 games.

With the River Cats, the left-handed bat slashed .249/.322/.514 (106 wRC+) with 18 home runs, 63 RBI, and 31 runs in 286 plate appearances. This includes a 9.8 percent walk rate, 30.8 percent strikeout rate, and .265 ISO.

While his strikeout was high in Triple-A, his in-zone contact sat at 82.4 percent, which is low but not necessarily a significant weakness. Plus, he offsets the high strikeout rate with a lot of power, as his 25 home runs led all Giants minor leaguers.

The Giants had remained adamant that Eldridge would finish this season in Triple-A. However, a hamstring strain to Dominic Smith paved the way for the top Giants prospect to be added to the roster.

The 20-year-old bat did flash considerable raw power in his first stint in the majors, but carried that high strikeout rate from Triple-A. He struck out 13 times in 37 plate appearances. He also notched his first hit in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Eldridge had some strong Statcast numbers, including a 95.6 percent average exit velocity, 25.0 percent barrel rate, and 68.8 percent hard-hit rate. All of these numbers were recorded in a small sample, but it highlights the power upside that he offers.

It is hard to ignore that Eldridge is blocked at first base by Rafael Devers. However, general manager Zack Minasian outlined the long-term plan for them to split time at first base and DH.

While the Giants believe that Eldridge will turn into an above-average offensive player with power, they have not committed to him beginning next season with the club. They have left the door open for adding an external option if it helps the team next season. If Eldridge hits well in spring training, that could become a moot point. In the meantime, the Giants hope that Eldridge will be ready for the Cactus League after he recovers from wrist surgery.

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