Bryce Eldridge Embraces No. 8, Blocks Out Noise, and Zeros In on a Big 2026 with Giants
SAN FRANCISCO - Bryce Eldridge may only be two years removed from the MLB Draft, but he’s already wearing a number that carries weight in San Francisco. At the Giants’ first FanFest stop of the year, the 21-year-old top prospect was sporting No. 8 - a nod to two of his favorite athletes, Alexander Ovechkin and Lamar Jackson. But for Giants fans, that number calls to mind another name: Hunter Pence.
If Eldridge lives up to the hype, No. 8 could once again be a staple in the stands at Oracle Park. And this time, it might belong to a franchise cornerstone.
That’s certainly the vision - but this offseason reminded Eldridge that nothing in this game is guaranteed. Despite being one of the organization’s most promising young talents, his name surfaced in trade speculation, largely due to the presence of Rafael Devers at first base.
On paper, it’s easy to connect the dots: two lefty-swinging first basemen with similar defensive profiles. But inside the clubhouse, the Giants aren’t seeing it as a redundancy - they’re seeing it as a potential strength.
Eldridge, for his part, tried to keep his head down and his focus forward.
“I try not to get too wrapped up in anything going on,” he said Saturday. “I think when you get to a point in the offseason, people need stuff to talk about, whether they know what’s true and what’s not.
I don’t know how far those talks got, but I want to be here. I want to play for this team, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”
That last line wasn’t just lip service. Eldridge made it clear - he sees himself as part of the Giants’ future, and he’s hoping the organization sees it the same way.
A Healthy Spring Ahead
Eldridge’s 2025 season was a grind, both physically and mentally. A wrist injury lingered throughout much of the year, sapping his swing and testing his patience.
But he kept pushing, and this offseason, he underwent surgery to remove a bone spur. Now, with his rehab nearly complete, he’s on track to be fully healthy when position players report in three weeks.
“Some days were better than others,” Eldridge said of last season. “It was definitely mentally challenging, just knowing I’ve got to go up there and I didn’t feel 100 percent for most of the year.
It gives me confidence, knowing what I was able to do (without) feeling my best - especially on an upper-body injury. You kind of need that to swing the bat.”
That’s the kind of quiet confidence you want from a young hitter - especially one trying to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. And with the Giants’ front office having a relatively quiet offseason, Eldridge’s path to making the team looks more open than ever.
Schmitt, Similar Path, Same Mindset
Eldridge wasn’t the only young Giant at FanFest dealing with rehab and roster questions. Starting second baseman Casey Schmitt had the same wrist surgery after getting hit by a pitch in June. Like Eldridge, he’s spent the winter rehabbing and tuning out trade chatter - though in Schmitt’s case, the rumors have had a bit more traction.
The Giants have been linked to second basemen like Brendan Donovan and Nico Hoerner. If a deal materializes, Schmitt could shift into a utility role. But for now, he’s preparing to hold down second base, and he’s made some adjustments to help his case - including shedding about 10 pounds to improve his lateral quickness.
Both Schmitt and Eldridge spent the weekend with new manager Tony Vitello, who isn’t interested in playing mind games or offering false reassurances. His message to the team?
Stay present. Focus on what’s in front of you.
That’s exactly what Eldridge is doing - and Vitello likes what he sees.
Built for the Bigs
If Vitello had his way, Eldridge would’ve played for him at Tennessee. Instead, the slugger chose to go pro out of high school, but he still has ties to the Volunteers program - and he’s heard nothing but praise about Vitello from friends who played under him.
Now, the two are finally on the same team.
“It’s been fun to see his excitement level,” Vitello said of Eldridge.
And that excitement was on full display Saturday, as Eldridge sat in downtown San Jose signing cards and chatting with reporters. After a winter spent rehabbing and hearing his name in trade talks, he’s still wearing the orange and black - and he’s ready to get to work.
“Now we’re working together,” Eldridge said of Vitello. “I think we’re going to be a pretty good team.”
The jersey number may be new, but the mindset is classic: show up, block out the noise, and earn your spot. If Eldridge can stay healthy and keep progressing, Giants fans might be rocking No. 8 for a long time to come.