by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Washington Post.
The Pittsburgh Pirates own the #1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft which is scheduled for July 9th-July 11th in Seattle, WA. This draft could be the final piece of GM Ben Cherington’s puzzle to catapult the Bucs into a yearly contender.
In the next few weeks, Draft 412 will showcase the top prospects coming out in 2023.
Name- Bryce Eldridge
Pos-SP/1B B-L T-R
Team- Madison H.S. (VA)
HT/WT- 6’7” 223 lbs.
Born- 10/20/2004
Home – Madison, VA
Each year, the MLB Draft has players who potentially can become two-way performers but eventually, it becomes clear whether a player will be more productive on the mound or in the batter's box. With Bryce Eldridge, that decision is not so simple. Eldridge is as dominant on the mound as he is in the batter’s box, and he has even started hearing the Ohtani comparisons. The prevailing thought among scouts is that Eldridge will become a first baseman at the major league level.
As a hitter, Eldridge has generated as much power as any other left-handed hitter in this class. He has the capability to barrel up to all fields and has a short stroke for such a large man. A sweet swing who gets above average exit-velocity, Eldridge takes advantage of his 6’7” frame, using his strength to drive any type of pitch.
Eldridge has soft hands and plays an athletic first base, demonstrating the athleticism and “plus arm” to be moved to right field in the future if the need arises.
On the hill, Eldridge’s fastball sits between 92-94 consistently with a top speed of 97. Has a very effective low 80’s type slider that he gets lots of batters to chase. He is generally always around the strike zone and repeats his delivery well for a man 6’7” tall.
At the plate, there can be a lot of swing and miss to his game, and Eldridge will need to cut down on strikeouts. And as a pitcher, he has spells where he does not locate his fastball—a trait that professional hitters will take advantage of. He also tends to try and overthrow at times.
At the plate, Draft 412 compares Eldridge to Joey Gallo, with his left-handed swing. On the bump, Draft 412 compares him to a poor-man’s Adam Wainwright, both in approach and body type.
Final Analysis
Bryce Eldridge is a unique prospect who may be listed in war rooms as either a hitter or pitcher. What Shohei Ohtani does is so unique that Draft 412 cannot see Eldridge being held to the same standard, and he will eventually make the move to one position or the other. Draft 412 predicts Eldridge settling in as a first baseman to start his career.
Round 1- / #21 on Draft 412’s big board.