SF Giants Have Hamstrung Themselves on the Right Side of the Infield The San Francisco Giants face a challenging situation on the right side of their infield, where their current configuration appears less than ideal. Second baseman Luis Arraez, who signed with the team on the promise of playing second base, is set to start there, despite the presence of a more statistically suited candidate. The decision has sparked questions about how the Giants arrived at this arrangement and whether it will hold up over the course of the season. Arraez’s signing was contingent on the Giants guaranteeing him an opportunity to play second base, a commitment that other teams interested in him could not provide. This promise was a key factor in his decision to join the Giants. While the team may feel obligated to honor that commitment, the arrangement has led to a less-than-optimal setup. Arraez, who has a history of defensive struggles, has shown promise in limited appearances but faces the challenge of adapting to a position he hasn’t regularly played in recent years. Meanwhile, Schmitt, who has demonstrated better speed and arm strength, has been relegated to first base. His struggles with ground balls in the dirt during the season’s opening game highlight the difficulties of transitioning to a new position. Schmitt’s limited experience at first base, which he only began playing last season, may contribute to his early struggles. The Giants’ infield configuration is further complicated by the potential return of players like Devers and Bryce Eldridge. Devers, who is expected to get healthy, could provide an alternative at first base, while Eldridge’s promotion to the majors may increase his playing time at the position.#bryce_eldridge #san_francisco_giants #luis_arraez #schmitt #devers
Wilmer Flores Joins Mexican League for 2026 After Giants Departure Wilmer Flores, a beloved figure among San Francisco Giants fans, has secured a new opportunity in the Mexican League for the 2026 season. Despite hopes of rejoining the major leagues, the veteran infielder has opted to join the Toros de Tijuana, as confirmed by the team’s official announcement. Flores, who spent six of his 13 professional seasons with the Giants, will now continue his career in Mexico after his contract with the Giants expired. The 34-year-old infielder made his major league debut with the New York Mets in 2013 and became a key contributor for the Giants, known for his clutch hitting and ability to provide leverage against left-handed pitching. His best season came in 2023, when he posted an .863 OPS, hit 23 home runs, and drove in 60 runs in 454 plate appearances. However, a recurring knee injury limited his effectiveness in 2024, leading to a season-ending procedure. Flores returned to the Giants in 2025 after accepting a mutual option, but his role on the roster was diminished. He finished the season with a .686 OPS, 16 home runs, and 71 RBI in 463 plate appearances. His contributions were recognized by the fanbase, who gave him a heartfelt send-off in the final game of the season. With the Giants already set to cover first base and designated hitter positions through 2025, Flores’ departure was expected. The Giants’ depth at those roles includes players like Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge, though Eldridge did not make the final roster. The team remains optimistic about his potential to contribute this season, while relying on Jerar Encarnación as the primary DH. Meanwhile, Flores’ move to the Mexican League marks a new chapter in his career, joining a league that features several former major leaguers.#bryce_eldridge #san_francisco_giants #wilmer_flores #toros_de_tijuana #norte_division
Giants Excluding Bryce Eldridge from Opening Day Roster The San Francisco Giants have optioned outfielder Bryce Eldridge to Triple-A Sacramento, according to Evan Webeck of the California Post. The 21-year-old, who had been in contention to open the season as the team's primary designated hitter, will now report to the minor league affiliate. Eldridge's performance in the Cactus League, where he posted an .830 OPS with six RBI and eight runs scored across 19 games, did not secure his place on the Opening Day roster. Despite his strong showing, 19 of his 40 at-bats resulted in strikeouts, raising concerns about his plate discipline. The Giants' decision to send him to Triple-A is intended to help him refine his approach at the plate while gaining regular playing time at first base. With Eldridge out of the picture, Jerar Encarnacion is expected to take over as the team's designated hitter for the 2024 season. Eldridge's exclusion highlights the challenges of balancing offensive production with defensive reliability in a competitive lineup. While his power potential and speed were praised during spring training, the high strikeout rate has prompted management to prioritize development over immediate contribution. The move also reflects the Giants' strategy to maintain depth in their minor league system while ensuring their major league roster remains competitive. Encarnacion, a veteran with experience in the majors, is likely to fill the DH role, providing a more consistent presence at the plate. The Giants will now focus on integrating younger players into the lineup while managing the transition of key roles. This adjustment underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing short-term performance with long-term growth in professional baseball.#bryce_eldridge #san_francisco_giants #evan_webeck #california_post #jerar_encarnacion
Bryce Eldridge Optioned to Triple-A in Latest Roster Cuts The San Francisco Giants have optioned top prospect Bryce Eldridge to Triple-A Sacramento in the latest round of spring training cuts, according to Maria Guardado’s social media report. The move joins Tyler Fitzgerald and Grant McCray on the list of players sent down, signaling the team’s finalization of its 2025 roster. The decision underscores a focus on depth and right-handed power, as the Giants prepare for a season featuring a mix of left-handed starting pitchers. Eldridge, who leads the team in plate appearances (49) during the Cactus League season with a .450 slugging percentage, was sent down despite his offensive potential. However, his .225 batting average and 19 strikeouts—nearly double the team’s total—raised concerns. His recent performance, including a 3-for-18 slump with just one extra-base hit, highlighted the gap between his power numbers and batting average. The Giants, prioritizing batting average over raw power in their evaluation, deemed his struggles too significant to keep him in the majors. The team’s strategy for the season includes a heavy reliance on right-handed hitters, a decision influenced by the left-handed pitchers they’ll face. Potential opponents include Max Fried (Yankees), David Petersen and Sean Manaea (Mets), Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo (Phillies), Trevor Rogers (Orioles), Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo (Reds), Foster Griffin (Nationals), and Braxton Garrett (Marlins). While the Giants face a challenging rotation, the decision to prioritize right-handed bats suggests they are not overcompensating for lefty-heavy matchups. Players like Jerar Encarnacion and Luis Matos have emerged as key depth options. Encarnacion, with a .283 on-base percentage and .#bryce_eldridge #san_francisco_giants #triple_a_sacramento #maria_guardado #spring_training_cuts
