The Baltimore Orioles raised eyebrows by locking up their top prospect, catcher Samuel Basallo, to an eight-year, \$67 million extension only five days after his MLB debut at age 21.
Could the San Francisco Giants take a similar approach with their prized prospect, Bryce Eldridge?
Could SF Giants consider long-term deal for Bryce Eldridge?
Moves like the one Baltimore just made are extremely rare. Locking up a young player with a major extension before they’ve proven themselves in the majors carries significant risk.
If Basallo doesn’t develop as expected, the Orioles could look foolish for committing so much so early. But if he blossoms into a star, they’ll have landed him at a bargain price by acting quickly.
As for Bryce Eldridge, the Giants are clearly excited about his potential. He’s been crushing the ball in Triple-A, and once rosters expand in September, the calls for his promotion will only grow louder. At just 20 years old he’s still very young, but even a short stint in the majors could be valuable experience.
While there are arguments against rushing him, in what has become a lost season, giving fans a glimpse of Eldridge would at least provide some excitement.
In Sacramento, he’s hitting .240/.310/.514 with 14 homers and 48 RBIs, consistently showcasing his power. Even if Oracle Park isn’t as favorable for left-handed hitters, his bat makes the idea of him reaching the big leagues exciting.
That raises the question: would the Giants consider extending him early? If he gets called up and produces right away, they could be tempted to follow Baltimore’s example and secure him long-term.
On the other hand, president of baseball operations Buster Posey may prefer that Eldridge prove himself at the MLB level before discussing an extension. And some even think Eldridge might end up being trade bait, which would make the conversation irrelevant.
In the end, while a big deal for Eldridge seems unlikely right now, Baltimore’s gamble at least sparks an interesting debate during an otherwise disappointing Giants season.
Be the first to comment