The San Francisco Giants are calling up their No. 1 prospect, Bryce Eldridge, and No. 18 prospect, Jesus Rodriguez, to provide the team with a spark, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser.
The San Francisco Giants need a major shakeup. They are currently 13-21 and remain last in the NL West. Through 34 games, they are 7 games out of a wildcard spot and 8 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants have also lost their last 6 games and just got swept by the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies.
After the Giants only scored 2 runs in a three-game series sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays, they rank last in the MLB in runs scored, home runs, walks and on-base percentage. The President of Baseball Operations is making a major shakeup to the offense.
GettySan Francisco Giants promote top prospect, Bryce Eldridge
Bryce Eldridge Provides Power Hitting Potential
The 6-foot-7-inch Eldridge is an imposing hitter who could help the Giants with much-needed power. The first baseman is currently slashing .333/.445/.518 for a .963 OPS for the Triple-A Sacramento Rivercats. He has also recorded 5 home runs and 22 RBIs in 114 at-bats.
There is a lot of hype surrounding Eldridge because of his power-hitting potential after he was selected in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2023 MLB Draft. Since he got drafted, Eldridge has consistently been ranked among the top in MLB’s prospect rankings. The first baseman is currently ranked the 20th overall prospect, according to MLB.com.
This would not be Eldridge’s first stint with the major league club. The former first-round pick played in 10 games, but only recorded 3 hits in 37 at-bats at the end of last season.
However, the Giants have a logjam at the first base position. The Giants converted Rafael Devers from third base to first base after trading for the slugger last year. Devers is an everyday player in San Francisco’s lineup. Meanwhile, Casey Schmitt is arguably the Giants’ best hitter, and he has manned the designated hitter spot.
It is hard to see Tony Vitello moving Devers to the bench. It will be interesting to see if Eldridge will play first base or be the designated hitter. Either move would most likely put Schmitt on the bench.
Jesus Rodriguez Adds Contact and Versatility
Jesus Rodriguez was acquired last season when the Giants traded reliever Camilo Doval to the Yankees. The utility catcher is currently slashing .330/ .400/ .440 for an .840 OPS. He has also recorded 2 home runs and 14 RBIs in 100 at-bats for the Rivercats.
Rodriguez could be a nice offensive complement to Patrick Bailey behind the plate. The two-time Gold Glove catcher is having another good defensive year, but is struggling at the plate.
But the Giants’ top prospect has also played second base and the outfield, but is not considered a strong defender at any specific position. His bat-to-ball skills, however, could help stabilize an offense that has lacked consistency throughout the lineup.
Veterans Failing to Produce
The Giants are not getting any production from their three highest-paid hitters. Third baseman Matt Chapman, first baseman Rafael Devers and shortstop Willy Adames are all signed to long-term contracts. The three sluggers only have 6 home runs combined through 34 games.
It has resulted in manager Tony Vitello making multiple changes to the lineup to find something that clicks. Now, the Giants are turning to youth.
San Francisco hopes that promoting Eldridge and Rodriguez can provide a spark to a lineup that ranks last in major offensive categories.
Giants Promote Bryce Eldridge, Jesus Rodriguez in Major Offensive Shakeup