Giants Seem Committed to Bryce Eldridge-But They're Still Listening
As the dust settles from the Winter Meetings, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the San Francisco Giants isn’t about who they’re trying to add-it’s about who they might be willing to let go. Specifically, top prospect Bryce Eldridge.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s no indication the Giants are actively shopping Eldridge. But in a league where top-tier pitching is at a premium and ownership reportedly isn’t eager to drop big money on a frontline free agent arm, the idea of using a prized prospect as trade capital becomes part of the conversation-whether fans like it or not.
Flemming Weighs In
Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming recently addressed the chatter on KNBR, and while he’s not in the front office, his perspective carries weight in the Bay Area baseball community. Asked about the possibility of trading Eldridge, Flemming didn’t mince words:
“I don’t think they want to trade Bryce Eldridge, I don’t…I’m pretty bullish on him…I think Tony and the new staff are really excited to work with him and see what they can get out of him."
That’s not a definitive “he’s untouchable,” but it’s a strong signal that the organization sees something special in Eldridge-and they’re eager to see how that talent develops under new leadership.
What the Front Office Is Saying
New general manager Zack Minasian has already made it clear that no one in the organization is off-limits when it comes to trade discussions. That’s standard GM-speak, especially for a team trying to stay flexible in a competitive offseason.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re looking to move Eldridge. It just means they’re listening.
President of baseball operations Buster Posey also weighed in with high praise for the 19-year-old slugger, saying:
“I think he's got a chance to be one of the biggest impact bats for the next 10 to 15 years in the big leagues, potentially. We'll listen, but we like him a lot."
That’s the kind of endorsement you don’t hand out lightly. Posey, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the majors, clearly sees Eldridge as a cornerstone-type player.
But the key phrase there? *“We’ll listen.”
The Risk of Listening Too Loudly
Former Giants first baseman J.T. Snow has cautioned the team about being too public with their willingness to entertain offers.
The concern? That Eldridge might start to feel like he’s not fully wanted-or worse, expendable.
For a young player still finding his footing, that kind of message could complicate development and morale.
It’s a valid point. The Giants have seen what can happen when top prospects don’t pan out.
Joey Bart was once considered the heir apparent behind the plate. Marco Luciano had sky-high expectations as a middle-infield star in the making.
Neither has lived up to the hype so far, and both saw their trade value plummet as a result.
That history might be part of what’s fueling the “should we trade Eldridge now while his value is high?” conversation.
But it’s also why the Giants are being cautious. They know the ceiling here might be too high to risk giving up too early.
The Balancing Act
This is the tightrope the Giants are walking: they know Bryce Eldridge could be a future All-Star. They also know that a legitimate ace could transform their rotation overnight. And with ownership hesitant to spend big on the open market, the only way to land that kind of arm might be through a blockbuster trade.
So, yes, the Giants are listening. But make no mistake-they’d need to be absolutely floored to even consider moving Eldridge.
This isn’t a player they’re eager to part with. It’s a player they believe in.
For now, all signs point to Eldridge staying put. But in baseball, especially in December, “for now” can change fast.