Giants GM Pete Putila told reporters Tuesday that Bryce Eldridge will focus solely on first base after being drafted last year as a two-way player.
Eldridge, the 16th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, came in with expectations to be a two-way player for the Giants, but that idea has gone to the wayside, at least for now. The 6-foot-7 prospect has been referred to as the “American Ohtani”, as he can pitch into the mid-90s and has shown impressive power at the plate. He put up ridiculous numbers in his senior year at James Madison High in Vienna, VA — he posted an absurd 1.706 OPS and paired that with a 1.06 ERA. At 18 years old, he is a name to keep on the radar for dynasty leagues, but it will take some time before fantasy managers see him in the majors.