Bryce Eldridge, the San Francisco Giants' top prospect, revealed his new jersey number 8 at the team's FanFest event in San Jose. The change honors hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, following his brief MLB debut last season. Amid trade rumors, Eldridge expressed his desire to stay with the Giants and prepare for a full season.
At the Giants’ FanFest Tour stop at San Pedro Square Market in San Jose, California, on Saturday, rookie first baseman Bryce Eldridge showcased a new uniform number. Previously assigned No. 78 during his Major League debut in September, Eldridge switched to No. 8 over the offseason as a tribute to hockey player Alexander Ovechkin.
The 21-year-old, ranked as the Giants' No. 1 prospect and No. 12 overall by MLB Pipeline, addressed swirling trade speculation. Reports suggested the Giants might deal him due to positional overlap with power hitter Rafael Devers at first base, potentially to address other roster needs. Eldridge dismissed the rumors, focusing on his commitment to the team.
“It’s definitely a first,” Eldridge said. “I try not to get too wrapped up in anything going on. 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. I don’t plan on leaving here anytime soon. I hope they don’t plan on making me leave anytime soon. I want to be here for a long time.”
Eldridge's offseason included rehabilitation from left wrist surgery in October to remove a bone spur, after playing through discomfort last season with a cortisone shot. The 6-foot-7 slugger reported being nearly fully recovered and ready for hitting.
“I grinded through it,” he said. “Some days were better than others. It was definitely mentally challenging, too, just knowing I’ve got to go up there and I didn’t feel 100 percent for most of the year. But it just gives me confidence, knowing what I was able to do with not feeling my best, especially on an upper-body injury.”
In the Minors last year, he hit .260 with an .843 OPS and 25 home runs over 102 games, plus a 10-game big-league stint. Aiming for an Opening Day roster spot, Eldridge envisions a productive role alongside Devers.
“I want to make an impact and start the year with the team,” he added. “Whatever role they want me in, mixing time with Devers -- I think me and him can be a very dangerous duo in the middle of the lineup for a long time.”
Eldridge knows new manager Tony Vitello from recruitment days at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia. He opted for Alabama over Tennessee but was drafted 16th overall by the Giants in 2023, forgoing college. He expressed enthusiasm for playing under Vitello.
“I think we’re going to be a pretty good team,” Eldridge said. “I’m excited. I’m a college-aged kid, and everyone that I know who played at Tennessee had an amazing relationship with him. Me, personally, I’m very excited to get to play for him.”
