SF Giants first-round pick Bryce Eldridge talks adjusting to pro ball

The SF Giants drafted Bryce Eldridge in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and he talked with Giants Baseball Insider about his first pro season.

Before his first professional season came to an end earlier this week, SF Giants 2023 first-round pick Bryce Eldridge had been enjoying the weather in Single-A San Jose after being promoted from Arizona. The two-way player from Virginia told Giants Baseball Insider that he was enjoying playing outside the “brutal” weather at the complexes in the Phoenix area in a conversation during the season.

Eldridge slashed .294/.400/.505 in his abbreviated pro debut between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A after he accepted a $4 million signing bonus to forego his commitment to Alabama. He was easily the youngest player on the San Jose roster and reportedly wowed scouts during his stint in Rookie Ball. But even though he hit the ground running, Eldridge acknowledged that there have been some challenges adjusting to pro ball.

“You got to grow up real quick once they send you out here on your own,” Eldridge said. “But it's all it's all been good. I've been having fun stuff, no complaints.”

Eldridge has not pitched since becoming a pro, being shut down after the high school season this year. As a pitcher, according to scouting reports, Eldridge flashed solid command of a mid-90s sinker, slider, and changeup. Most scouts think he has more long-term potential as a hitter, but his work on the mound was likely worthy of a top-round pick as well. He's excited to follow in the footsteps of Giants 2022 first-round pick Reggie Crawford (Giants Top 9 Prospect), who played both ways in his first minor-league season with San Francisco this season.

“I had a lot of innings in high school this year,” he said. “Most I've ever thrown in a whole year ever, I think. We’re just gonna take it easy with the arm for now, but definitely going to pick up the pitching next year.”

Eldridge said it’s taking the safe route for his arm not to ramp back up yet. In the meantime, he worked on becoming a right fielder, playing in the outfield for the first time in his career. Eldridge had split his time between pitching and first base as an amateur.

“Tim Leiper, down in the ACL, got me started with that, and he was awesome,” Eldridge said. “Helped me understand the basics and the footwork and all of that. They’ve made me feel comfortable with everything.”

Obviously, the biggest change for someone who was a high school senior less than six months ago is everything that comes with being a professional ballplayer. No more classes or extracurriculars that are not aimed at helping him improve on the diamond.

“No school,” he said. “It’s like baseball is school. I get to the facility at 12, whatever it may be on that certain day, and I’m here until 10 p.m., 9 p.m., whatever it is. It’s good. You got the defensive work, you got the early work for hitting and defense, you got fundy with the whole team, and take BP again before the game. It’s definitely a different schedule than what we had in high school, compared to when you’re in high school, you show up, walk straight from your last period to the practice field, and then you get warm and do a little bit of fielding, and then hopefully hit on the field all day. It’s definitely a different schedule.”

“That’s what we all work for, is getting to this point where this is our school,” Eldridge said. “I’m definitely enjoying not having as many distractions as I used to.”

In his short time in the SF Giants organization, Bryce Eldridge has been impressed with the way San Francisco treats players, from the minor leagues to MLB. It remains early in his tenure, but it's a great sign that he already has a relationship with the franchise giving him an added motivation to eventually star at Oracle Park.

“I’ve seen it already and I’m already very impressed,” he said. “And compared to other things I’ve heard, it doesn’t get much better than this. This organization does a great job; they care about the players, and they care about your development. I’m blessed to be here.”

San Jose manager Jeremiah Knackstedt said at the end of the team’s 2023 playoff run that there were a lot of talented kids who came through the affiliate this season, noting the heart, grit, and work ethic they showed throughout the season.

“I think it's going to be a bright future for the Giants moving along, and a lot of guys moved up and came from here and got all the way up to Double-A, Triple-A, so just seeing those guys move and compete at the higher levels was, I'd say a highlight and positive thing for Giants fans,” Knackstedt said.