2025(AA): .280/.350/.512, 7 HR, 9.3 BB%, 27.9 K%, 140 PA.
2025(AAA): .249/.322/.514, 18 HR, 9.8 BB%, 30.8 K%, 286 PA.
2025(MLB): .107/.297/.179, 18.9 BB%, 35.1 K%, 37 PA.
Just for perspective, last year was Bryce Eldridge's age 20 season and was his third professional season. Had he not been added to the 40-man roster, he would still have two development years before being eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. He rocketed through the minor league system and hit with monster power at every level. A late season cup of coffee at the MLB level didn't have the same results but he impressed with his plate discipline and pitch selection.
All signs point to once he gets his feet on the ground and a larger sample size, he will be an impact power hitter. The big question is whether he needs to work on closing some holes in his swing back in AAA before a promotion later in the season or if it's better for him to see MLB pitching on the theory that he won't improve if he's facing competition he's already beaten. I favor the latter. Yes, his K rate is high, but it's going to be for any 6' 7" power hitter. Have you looked up Aaron Judge's K rate in his first MLB experience? He's going to be a 3-true outcomes guy, especially early in his career.
The tea leaves are telling me the Giants also favor the latter approach and are planning for him to be in the lineup on Opening Day. That could change if he looks overmatched in spring training but if he does start the season in AAA, it should be a short stay there before he gets called back up to stay. Whenever he takes his place in the lineup he should bat 7'th or 8'th and the Giants should accept he will have his share of strikeouts and will probably bat somewhere around the Mendoza Line but even that should come with 20-25 HR's which would be a very good outcome for his rookie season.
No comments:
Post a Comment