Giants' Bryce Eldridge Embraces 'Be Yourself' Message

21-year-old first baseman focuses on growth, authenticity, and his powerful potential this season.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:51am

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San Francisco Giants veteran players Willy Adames and Matt Chapman shared a message with their younger teammate Bryce Eldridge to 'be yourself' during spring training. The 6-foot-7 first baseman, who made his MLB debut last September, has embraced this advice as he looks to build on his rookie experience and solidify a role with the team.

Why it matters

Eldridge is a highly touted prospect for the Giants, and the organization is committed to nurturing his development carefully. His ability to stay true to his strengths and not try to be someone he's not could be key to unlocking his full potential as a middle-of-the-order power hitter.

The details

Eldridge recounted the veteran players' advice, saying 'If I try and do more, I'm a power guy, I'm not going to wow anyone on the basepaths. I'm going to make the plays at first. If I try to be a slap hitter or bunt, I'm going to try and be myself, not go outside of that and not compare myself to others.' The 21-year-old is less than three years removed from being drafted 16th overall in 2023 and made his MLB debut last September, collecting two doubles in 28 at-bats over 10 games while also facing challenges like 13 strikeouts. This year, Eldridge feels 'a lot more relaxed' after getting comfortable with the team and staff.

  • Eldridge made his major league debut on September 15 last year.
  • Eldridge was drafted 16th overall in the 2023 amateur draft.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

A 6-foot-7 first baseman in the San Francisco Giants organization who is known for his imposing frame and powerful potential.

Willy Adames

A veteran player for the San Francisco Giants who shared the 'be yourself' message with Eldridge during spring training.

Matt Chapman

A veteran player for the San Francisco Giants who shared the 'be yourself' message with Eldridge during spring training.

Buster Posey

The Giants' president of baseball operations, who has yet to decide whether Eldridge will start the season in the majors or at Triple-A Sacramento.

Tony Vitello

The Giants' manager, who expressed optimism about Eldridge's future improvements, especially defensively.

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What they’re saying

“They were just saying, 'be yourself, don't try to be anyone else,'”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants first baseman

“As his feet get better, the rookie's defense will catch up, too.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants manager

“I think for a kid who was drafted where he was drafted and all that, he could approach things differently with his teammates and kind of be like, 'I got it,' but he seems to be wanting to soak up information. When you're like that, then people want to go to you even more, and so I think all of his teammates do a good job of looking after him and providing advice.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants manager

“On top of it, he's pretty gifted. If you give him something to work on or something to do, he takes to it pretty quick.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants manager

What’s next

Buster Posey, the Giants' president of baseball operations, has yet to decide whether Eldridge will start the season in the majors or at Triple-A Sacramento. More time in the minors could allow Eldridge to build additional experience and improve his performance before taking on a larger role with the team, potentially as a middle-of-the-lineup power hitter.

The takeaway

Bryce Eldridge's embrace of the 'be yourself' message from veteran Giants players, coupled with his strong faith and family support, suggests a promising path forward as he looks to build on his rookie experience and solidify a role with the team. The organization's commitment to nurturing his development carefully could unlock Eldridge's powerful potential as a middle-of-the-order hitter.