Giants Prospect Bryce Eldridge Balances Power and Growth with River Cats

Former two-way player turns focus to fielding and hitting as he develops at first base.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and fielding motions at first base, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a cubist style.Bryce Eldridge's dedication to improving his defense at first base and maintaining his powerful swing is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Sacramento

Bryce Eldridge, the San Francisco Giants' top prospect and the 22nd overall prospect in baseball, is making strides in his development with the Sacramento River Cats. After transitioning from being a two-way player, Eldridge is now focused solely on improving his defense at first base and continuing to showcase his impressive power at the plate.

Why it matters

Eldridge's progress is crucial for the Giants' future, as he is considered one of the organization's most promising young talents. His ability to balance his development as a hitter and fielder will be key to his potential major league success and the Giants' long-term plans.

The details

Eldridge has been working closely with Giants infield coach Ron Washington and putting in extra work during 7 am spring training sessions to improve his footwork and overall play at first base. The former two-way player, who earned the nickname the "American Ohtani" after Shohei Ohtani, has decided to focus solely on hitting and fielding, a decision he believes has been beneficial for his development. Through the River Cats' latest series, Eldridge is batting .360 with a 1.012 on-base plus slugging percentage, giving the Giants' front office confidence in their 16th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

  • Eldridge was selected 16th overall by the Giants in the 2023 MLB Draft.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

The San Francisco Giants' top prospect and the 22nd overall prospect in baseball, who is currently playing for the Sacramento River Cats and focusing on improving his defense at first base and his power hitting.

Ron Washington

The Giants' infield coach, who has been working with Eldridge to help him improve his footwork and overall play at first base.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I try not to pay attention to that stuff too much. Focus on my work, continue to stay consistent, and take every day one day at a time.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Prospect

“Been a big learning curve for me playing there every day and learning the position. I've been a lot better since I started but obviously I'm going to try and keep getting better there.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Prospect

“(Pitching and hitting) was something I made everyone aware I wanted to do and I thought that was going to be the case but looking back on it now I'm glad I went the route I did because I don't think I'd be here if I continued to do both.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Prospect

“Faith has been really important for me and not having all of my identity put into being a baseball player and being this prospect everyone expects the world out of.”

— Bryce Eldridge, Giants Prospect

What’s next

Eldridge's continued development and performance with the River Cats will be closely monitored by the Giants' front office, and he could earn a promotion to the major league roster if he continues to excel at the plate and in the field.

The takeaway

Bryce Eldridge's transition from a two-way player to a focused hitter and first baseman has been a key part of his development, as he works to refine his defensive skills and maintain his impressive power at the plate. His grounded approach and strong faith have helped him navigate the expectations that come with being one of the Giants' top prospects.