Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge poised for breakout season as DH

The 6'7" slugger is expected to be San Francisco's primary designated hitter in 2026 after a disappointing MLB debut.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Bryce Eldridge, a former first-round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants, is primed for a breakout season in 2026 as the team's primary designated hitter. Despite a disappointing MLB debut in 2025, Eldridge's impressive minor league numbers and raw power potential have experts predicting he will develop into a perennial 30-homer slugger.

Why it matters

Eldridge's development is crucial for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their offense after a down year in 2025. If the 6'7" slugger can live up to his potential, he could provide a major boost to San Francisco's lineup and help the team return to contention in the NL West.

The details

Eldridge, who was selected 16th overall by the Giants in the 2023 MLB Draft, decided to focus on playing first base full-time in 2024 after previously pitching. He made his MLB debut as a September call-up in 2025, but struggled, playing in just 10 games. However, Eldridge dominated at the Triple-A level last season, posting an .836 OPS with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs in 66 games. With Rafael Devers expected to take the majority of reps at first base, Eldridge is slated to be the Giants' primary DH in 2026.

  • Eldridge was named the MVP of the 2022 U-18 Baseball World Cup.
  • In 2023, he was named Virginia's Gatorade Player of the Year.
  • Eldridge was selected 16th overall by the Giants in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • He made his MLB debut as a September call-up in 2025.
  • Eldridge is expected to be the Giants' primary DH in the 2026 season.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

A powerful prospect who was selected 16th overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2023 MLB Draft. After a disappointing MLB debut in 2025, he is expected to be the team's primary designated hitter in 2026.

Rafael Devers

The Giants' starting first baseman, expected to take the majority of reps at the position in 2026, leaving Eldridge to focus on designated hitter duties.

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What they’re saying

“With an imposing 6'7" frame and some of the best raw power of any prospect, Eldridge flew through the minors, posting an .836 OPS with 18 home runs and 63 RBI in 66 games at Triple-A before he was promoted. With Rafael Devers blocking his path at first base, he popped up in speculative trade talks this offseason, but ultimately stayed put with an eye on serving as the primary DH. Despite his poor debut, he remains as safe a bet as any prospect in the game to develop into a perennial 30-homer slugger.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Giants will be closely monitoring Eldridge's progress during spring training as he looks to secure the primary DH role for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Eldridge's potential breakout season could be a major boost for the Giants, who are looking to return to contention in the NL West. If the powerful prospect can live up to his minor league numbers and raw power potential, he could provide a much-needed offensive spark for San Francisco.