Bryce Eldridge has emerged as one of the most talked-about prospects in minor league baseball, and now last year’s first-round pick will represent the San Francisco Giants in the Arizona Fall League, which begins next month.
Eldridge is one of eight Giants prospects chosen to participate, and he is expected to draw the most attention when the league kicks off next week. He’s currently ranked as the Giants’ top prospect and No. 50 overall in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Another Top 30 prospect selected for the league is outfielder Bo Davidson (ranked No. 26).
The other Giants prospects include right-handed pitchers Marques Johnson, William Kempner, Cale Lansville, Elijah Pleasants, and Tyler Vogel, as well as third baseman Charlie Szykowny.
Eldridge was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento for the final week of the season after starting at Class-A San Jose. He’s also a nominee for Hitter of the Year in the MiLB Awards, with winners to be announced next week.
He completed his first full professional season with a .289/.372/.513 slash line, 23 home runs, and 91 RBIs. Earlier this year, Eldridge also represented the Giants in the MLB Futures Game.
Drafted 16th overall last year, Eldridge signed for $4 million, forgoing college baseball at Alabama. He then joined the Giants organization, playing 31 games between the Arizona Complex League Giants and Class-A San Jose Giants, finishing with a .294/.400/.505 line, six home runs, and 18 RBIs.
Initially drafted with the potential to be a two-way player, Eldridge, who also pitched in high school, decided to focus on playing first base before the season started.
The Giants will play in Scottsdale, Arizona, alongside prospects from the Blue Jays, Mets, Pirates, and Tigers. The other AFL teams will compete in Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Salt River, and Surprise.
AFL play starts on Oct. 7, and since its inception in 1992, over 3,000 players have gone on to the Major Leagues. Special events include a tripleheader at Goodyear Ballpark on Oct. 19, a game at Grand Canyon University on Oct. 25, and a doubleheader at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Oct. 26.
The Fall Stars Game is scheduled for Nov. 9 at Sloan Park, with a home run derby on Nov. 8. The season wraps up on Nov. 14, followed by a semifinal on Nov. 15 at Scottsdale Stadium between the second- and third-place teams. The championship game will be held on Nov. 16 at Salt River Fields.
