Giants' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

6 days ago 2

Giants' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Despite hovering around .500 the past few seasons, the San Francisco Giants have not been as aggressive as some assumed they would be. So far, they have focused on bolstering their rotation.

The club recently went out and signed Tyler Mahle. The two sides agreed to a one-year deal after his strong season with the Texas Rangers.

However, that likely will not be all San Francisco focuses on. They are still in the running to trade for someone like Brendan Donovan or acquire Cody Bellinger.

MORE: Giants urged to get more offensive production from their right-handed hitters

Giants' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026

One player that should bring excitement to the fanbase in 2026 is Bryce Eldridge. He is the club's top prospect, being drafted in the first round during the 2023 MLB Draft.

He made his debut last season, only playing in a handful of games, and was a bit disappointing. He did not show the front office or the fans his offensive skillset that had him drafted in the first round.

Despite that, there is still hope that Eldridge will show that once he feels comfortable in the big leagues, he will shine. MLB.com's Maria Guardado tags him as a potential breakout candidate for the 2026 season.

"The Giants' No. 1 prospect went only 3-for-28 (.107) with 13 strikeouts while getting a 10-game cup of coffee in September, but he didn't look overmatched at the plate and flashed elite power by posting a .68.8% hard-hit rate. Eldridge has been the subject of trade speculation because he shares a position with Rafael Devers, another left-handed power hitter who is under contract through 2033, but the Giants believe they could accommodate both."

Despite the poor performance, Guardado mentions he did not look overmatched and had a good hard-hit rate. Although he shares a position with Rafael Devers, someone responsible for a high-portion of the Giants' offense in 2025, there are thoughts that the two can bounce between first base and designated hitter.