Giants Rookie Bryce Eldridge Compared to Legendary Power Hitter

ESPN analyst sees similarities between Eldridge and young Mark McGwire

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Bryce Eldridge, a rookie slugger for the San Francisco Giants, has been compared to one of the most prodigious home run hitters of all time - Mark McGwire. ESPN's Bradford Doolittle believes Eldridge, a left-handed power hitter, has a similar raw power to the young McGwire and could have a breakout rookie season that helps cure the Giants' offensive woes.

Why it matters

If Eldridge can live up to the lofty McGwire comparisons, it would be a major boost for the Giants' lineup and their chances of contending in the NL West. Eldridge's potential to hit for massive power could transform the team's offense.

The details

Eldridge, who can play first base or designated hitter, made his MLB debut last season and impressed with his potent swing. Doolittle sees similarities between Eldridge's left-handed power and the young McGwire, one of the most dominant home run hitters in baseball history. While McGwire's accomplishments were later tainted by PED use, Doolittle believes Eldridge can achieve that level of power production naturally.

  • Eldridge made his MLB debut last season.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

A rookie slugger for the San Francisco Giants who can play first base or designated hitter.

Mark McGwire

One of the most prodigious power hitters in MLB history, known for his record-setting home run seasons in the 1990s, though his accomplishments were later tainted by PED use.

Bradford Doolittle

An ESPN analyst who has drawn comparisons between Eldridge and the young McGwire.

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What they’re saying

“Not to put too much of an onus on the kid, but he does look like a lefty-hitting version of the young Mark McGwire, and if he were to have a McGwire-like rookie season, it would go a long way toward curing any lingering Giants offensive ills.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

The takeaway

Eldridge's potential to emulate the young Mark McGwire's prodigious power could be a game-changer for the Giants, providing a much-needed boost to their lineup and playoff hopes. However, the comparison also comes with high expectations that Eldridge will need to live up to in order to have a similar impact on the team's fortunes.