Giants Prospect Eldridge Struggles at Plate as Roster Decisions Loom

Young first baseman may start season in minors as Giants weigh options with out-of-options players

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:20pm by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge, a 21-year-old first baseman, has seen his spring training batting average drop to .231 after going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts on Monday. Scouts suggest Eldridge may be best served by starting the season at Triple-A Sacramento to work on his hitting, though his defense has impressed. The Giants also have other roster decisions to make, with out-of-options players like Jerar Encarnacion and Luis Matos competing for spots and the team potentially carrying extra position players to start the season.

Why it matters

Eldridge is considered a top Giants prospect, so his development is crucial for the team's future. The Giants also face difficult roster decisions with several players out of options, which could impact the makeup of their Opening Day roster and bench.

The details

Eldridge's struggles at the plate this spring have scouts suggesting he may benefit from more time in the minors to work on his hitting, despite his strong defensive play at first base. The Giants also have to weigh keeping out-of-options players like Encarnacion and Matos, who have impressed this spring, which could lead the team to carry extra position players to start the season.

  • On March 6, Eldridge played in a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds.
  • On March 16, Eldridge went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, dropping his spring average to .231.

The players

Bryce Eldridge

A 21-year-old first base prospect in the San Francisco Giants' farm system who has struggled at the plate this spring but impressed with his defense.

Jerar Encarnacion

A Giants player who can play first base and the outfield, and has shown impressive power and defense this spring, making him a potential roster addition.

Luis Matos

A Giants player who has been mentioned by scouts as a player other teams would try to claim if he became available, adding to the team's roster decisions.

Tony Vitello

The Giants' manager, who has suggested there could be a scenario where both Encarnacion and Matos make the Opening Day roster.

Rafael Devers

The Giants' likely starting first baseman, which could impact how much playing time Eldridge gets to start the season.

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What’s next

The Giants will have to decide whether to start Eldridge in the majors or at Triple-A Sacramento to begin the season. They also face roster decisions with out-of-options players like Encarnacion and Matos, which could impact the team's Opening Day roster construction.

The takeaway

The Giants' roster decisions around Eldridge and other players on the bubble highlight the difficult balance between developing young talent and maximizing the current roster. The team will have to weigh multiple factors, including player performance, roster flexibility, and long-term potential, as they finalize their Opening Day lineup.