Would SF Giants entertain long-term contract extension for top prospect?

The Baltimore Orioles made an interesting move recently by signing their top prospect, catcher Samuel Basallo, to an eight-year $67 million contract extension just five days after the 21-year-old made his MLB debut.

Would the SF Giants consider something similar with their top prospect Bryce Eldridge?

Could SF Giants consider long-term deal for Bryce Eldridge?

Obviously, a move like the one Baltimore made is pretty unprecedented and rare. Signing a player to a sizable extension like that before they have proven themselves at the big league level certainly comes with a lot of risk.

If Basallo does not pan out, Baltimore will be left with egg on their face and will surely feel like they made a big mistake. Yet, if he turns into a great player then the team will feel smart because they signed him early on to a bargain contract. 

When it comes to Eldridge, the Giants are certainly high on his potential. He has been absolutely tearing the cover off the ball in Triple-A and the calls for him to be called up once rosters expand in September will reach a fever pitch. 

He is just 20 years old so he is obviously very young, but he would probably benefit from getting a taste of the big leagues this season even if it is brief. One could argue there are pitfalls to calling him up as well, but at this point in a lost season with nothing to get excited about calling up Eldridge would at least give fans a little something to look forward to.

In Triple-Sacramento, Eldridge is slashing .240/.310.514 with 14 home runs and 48 runs batted in. His power numbers are incredibly impressive and it seems like he hits a homer just about every day. Even if Oracle Park may be less friendly for the tall left-handed hitter, it will still be exciting to see him get big league action.

The question is whether the Giants would think about giving him an extension. Maybe if he gets called up and he rakes, the Giants will take a page out of Baltimore’s book and decide they need to lock him down quickly.

On the flip side, president of baseball operations Buster Posey may feel that a player needs to earn an extension by proving they can consistently perform at a high level in the big leagues. Then there are some who feel the Giants are going to have to trade Eldridge which would make all of this a moot point.

It would be unlikely for the Giants to sign Eldridge to a big deal, but the move by Baltimore at least provides some food for thought in an otherwise lost season.

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