SF Giants top power-hitting prospect likely to begin the season in the minors

If you were eager to see Bryce Eldridge make the Opening Day roster for the SF Giants, you might be slightly disappointed. Bob Melvin recently dashed those hopes, suggesting that Eldridge will begin the year in the minors.

SF Giants top power-hitting prospect likely to begin the season in the minors

Melvin joined the Murph and Markus Show on KNBR on Wednesday to discuss a number of topics as the club begins to shift from the offseason to spring training. He was asked about Eldridge's chances of making the Opening Day roster and Melvin put any hopes of that to bed.

"He's [Eldridge] probably not, not gonna start with us to begin with. He needs a little bit more defensively, needs some at-bats, and development before he gets to the big leagues but he has a chance to be a star. No question."

Bob Melvin

This always felt like steep odds for Eldridge and not anything to do with performance or upside. The Giants did rush him through the minors at the end of last season.

The left-handed bat has only tallied 75 plate appearances in the upper minors and will be entering his age-20 season in 2025. Those are two pretty good reasons to keep him in the minors for the time being. When the Giants call him up, they will want to be certain that Eldridge can stick in the majors.

Eldridge's performance will play a pretty big role in determining when he is ready. However, spring performance will likely not be weighed heavily if Melvin's statement is any indication.

The power-hitting prospect is coming off of a strong 2024 campaign where he slashed .292/.374/.516 with 23 home runs and 92 RBI in 519 plate appearances split across four levels. He did see some time in the Arizona Fall League as well.

It was an impressive season for Eldridge and the Giants are hopeful that he can continue building on that. For the time being, the club appears content with LaMonte Wade Jr. and Wilmer Flores holding down first base.

Wade Jr. should see the bulk of the time at first base as the left-handed-hitting side of the platoon. Flores will also see some time at first base and could even be one of the team's primary DH hitters. For now, they will be keeping the position warm until Eldridge is ready to go.