Anticipation has surrounded Bryce Eldridge since he was drafted by the Giants in the 2023 MLB Draft, and it’s reaching a new peak as spring training begins.

After his late-season debut in 2025, whether the prospect will make new manager Tony Vitello’s Opening Day roster draws much of that attention. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey discussed Eldridge’s chances in an interview with KNBR’s “Murph and Markus” on Thursday. 

“I think we’ll just see how spring training plays out,” Posey stated. “We’ll monitor where we think he is, his progress, as he continues to make, in all facets of the game and weigh that against what we think is best for his development long-term.” 

No guarantees other than caution and an emphasis on Eldridge’s long-term development. It’s a sentiment that’s been echoed by Posey and the front office as anticipation has swelled throughout the prospect’s time in the organization. 

A new wrinkle was introduced Wednesday as Eldridge took some practice reps in the outfield. With Rafael Devers being the clear lead in the first base/DH role, it could be another avenue for Eldridge to present value in an effort to make the Opening Day roster. 

Posey explained that the outfield work stemmed from a conversation between Eldridge and Vitello and is not necessarily a push for the prospect to change positions. 

“I think as much as anything – if we’re going to stand out and shag during [batting practice], let’s see what it looks like,” Posey explained. “I don’t think that it’s anything that’s extremely pressing. But also, you never know. There’s a chance that Bryce goes out there and gets really comfortable, and then it opens up another door for him and for us.  

“I don’t anticipate that’s something we’re going to push really hard. Still see him in that first base type of DH role.” 

There might be an outside incentive for the Giants to include Bryce Eldridge on the Opening Day roster. 

The Prospect Promotion Incentive, implemented in the 2022 CBA, allows teams to earn a draft pick if an eligible player who ranks in the MLB Top 100 prospects accrues one year of service as a rookie and factors into a major award. 

“Honestly, I don’t think about it that much,” Posey said of the incentive rule. “Draft pick aside, it would be great if you have a player come up and play that well. I think anybody would take that performance regardless of the draft pick.  

“So, how much does it incentivize? It’s hard to say.” 

Eldridge is ranked no. 25 in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects, making him a prime candidate.  

Posey, however, stresses that Eldridge’s long-term development matters more than any draft incentive. 

“Sitting here today looking at Bryce, I don’t think any of us are going to feel like we’ve forced something on him too soon,” Posey explained. “And that’s not to say that we come March 25th that he’s not there and on the roster, but I don’t think we’re going to force him into action if we feel like it’s not right for him just for the chance to grab a draft pick.” 

Many factors will ultimately weigh into the decision to include Eldridge in the Giants’ Opening Day roster. Vitello and Posey have over a month to come to a conclusion.

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