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Bryce Eldridge could change positions for the time being.
The San Francisco Giants are ready to attack 2026. They got a new head coach in Tony Vitello, and Buster Posey is ready to turn the page on 2025. The Giants seem ready to compete in the very tough National League West division. They signed Luis Arraez to a one-year deal, while also adding a few low-risk, high-reward pitchers. San Francisco is also excited to get their top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, in the big leagues for an extended stay.
Eldridge expects to make the opening day roster, but the infield is full. As a first baseman, there is not much room on the team for Eldridge to play. Rafael Devers will be the everyday first baseman, but the DH spot is wide open.
Keeping that in mind, a position change could be in store for the No. 1 prospect in the Giants organization.
Per Shayne Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle, Eldridge was seen taking some fly balls in the corner outfield positions on Wednesday.
Bryce Eldridge took fly balls in the corner outfield today, said it was Tony Vitello’s idea to stay ready there given the crowded infield situation. He used Jung Hoo Lee’s glove for now and his mom is shipping his outfield glove to AZ.
It was originally Vitello’s idea, and this is because of the infield situation in San Francisco.
Bryce Eldridge and the Crowded Giants Infield
GettyBryce Eldridge playing the outfield is a real possibility.
Eldridge is a first baseman. He has played that position for the majority of his career. At 6-foot-7, it is hard to picture his frame fitting elsewhere in the field. However, if a position change is to happen, outfield would make the most sense.
San Francisco adding Arraez gave them a consistent bat in the lineup. He is always going to hit and should see his name on the lineup card almost every day. That alone squanders a lot of the opportunity Eldridge had to make an impact at the big league level.
Arraez has also played a lot of first base in his career. He will play second base for the Giants, but his ability to shift over is something San Francisco sees as an asset. If Devers needs a day off, they can easily just play Arraez at first base, while platooning a second baseman.
Simply put, Arraez makes it tough for Eldridge to see the field. But if he were to move to the outfield, it would give him more opportunities to be in the lineup. The good news for the 21-year-old is that FanGraphs has him projected to be the starting designated hitter.
Eldridge is going to get a chance to prove himself in the big leagues this season. The only question is at what position.
Eldridge Has Played Outfield Before
GettyBryce Eldridge has a career .929 fielding percentage in right field in the minor leagues.
Albeit a short sample size, Eldridge has played the outfield before.
In 2023, the former first-round pick played 26 games in right field. In 28 chances at the position, Eldridge made two errors, and his fielding percentage was below .930. But that was his first season in pro ball, and it is most likely not the norm for him.
At first base in the minor leagues, Eldridge has a career .982 fielding percentage. He does a pretty good job over there, and that should transfer to the outfield. Now, reading a fly ball and fielding a ground ball are two different skill sets. However, Eldridge is young and should be able to make the transition.
First base is Eldridge’s main position, but if he wants to be a common occurrence in the lineup, a position change could be in store.
Cam Zunkel Cam Zunkel has been a sports journalist since 2022. He covers the NBA and MLB for Heavy.com. Cam also covers multiple MLB teams for On SI – part of the Sports Illustrated Brand. He is a former collegiate baseball player with two stops in the independent Frontier League. More about Cam Zunkel
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