SF Giants reportedly may use top prospect as a trade chip as Winter Meetings begin

There is no secret that the SF Giants are going to go after pitching this offseason. How they obtain more pitching remains to be seen. Do they spend the money? Or do they go out and make a big trade? Each of these options have been laid out already, but the Giants are reportedly open to trading top prospect Bryce Eldridge.

The Winter Meetings begin today in Orlando and Eldridge is definitely one of the best trade chips the Giants currently have at their disposal. With the Giants seemingly unwilling to spend big, trading Eldridge may be the only way to upgrade the rotation in a big way.

SF Giants reportedly open to trading Bryce Eldridge

Eldridge is the top prospect in the system and rightfully so. His display of raw power is what makes him such a captivating prospect. Between his hard hit rates and ability to barrel the ball, he is a guy who has the potential to be a consistent 20-homer player when everything is put together. 

In Triple-A this season, he was hitting .249 with a .828 OPS and a 105 wRC+. His brief stint in the majors was underwhelming, but the sample size is small. His approach at the plate needs some seasoning, as you hope the strikeout rates improve and ability to not chase outside the zone. 

At the end of the day, the Giants have an interesting young talent at their disposal and a player who would help enhance their competitive window. In a trade, you have to give in order to get and depending on who you are trading with you could get something significant back. Is it worth it though? Here’s the pros and cons to trading away the prospect. 

Pros to Trading Eldridge 

The statement that Buster Posey and the front office are striving to make is that they are ready to win now. Posey made that clear by acquiring Rafael Devers, as they needed a raw power hitter in their lineup. Devers does fit the need for a power bat, but also he is a player that can be used at the first base position. 

Is Devers a defensive pillar at first base? No. However, he did finish with 2 defensive runs saved and -1 outs above average. It’s without question serviceable. The Giants as a team can plug anyone at the designated hitter spot if need be, while also finding someone to platoon at first base with Devers. It doesn’t make Eldridge expendable, but gives the front office clarity to parting with him. 

If the Giants want significant upside on the mound, they may have to part with Eldridge. Take the Minnesota Twins for example. If they dangle Joe Ryan, they could be seeking Eldridge. Eldridge would give the Twins young and significant upside at the position. The Giants would then get a bonafide number two pitcher in the rotation. It sounds extremely steep, but time will tell if that’s the route they go. 

Cons to Trading Eldridge 

Giving up your top prospect in the organization is a hard pill to swallow. His sample size at the MLB level is very small, as he has had 37 plate appearances in 10 games. The tools and the talent are there for him, it’s just about putting it together. When you hired Tony Vitello it gave you the opportunity to have a skipper who could help develop and coach up younger guys. Being able to integrate them into the fold is what will help make this window much more competitive. 

Trading away Eldridge would see them also lose power ability that’s in house. Not something they have to go out and acquire. This team in 2025 was 28th in doubles, 19th in home runs, and 25th in slugging percentage. You’d think Eldridge would be part of the solution and not used to solve another problem. There are other options that the organization can turn to in order to land a starter and Eldridge should not be part of that deal.

With the Winter Meetings now underway, we will see what the Giants decide to do with Eldridge.