2023 MLB Draft Profile: Bryce Eldridge
It was only a matter of time before we made it to our first two-way player. Every kid will strive for it now seeing how successful and popular its been for Shohei Ohtani. While many attempt it and give up at the college level, Bryce Eldridge is one of the few who actually has a chance to make it stick at the next level. Let’s take a look at his 2023 MLB Draft Profile to examine further!
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Let’s start with the pitching. On the mound, Bryce Eldridge has solid command of three different pitches. His fastball sits at 95-96 mph but doesn’t have the run you typically desire, but he does have good command of it, which helps him get plenty of outs.
The slider is the better of his two offspeed pitches sitting in that low 80s range. It has a lot of movement both vertical and horizontal with the chance to be a very effective out pitch. The changeup is still a work in progress, but can complement his fastball really well should he ever develop it.
Scouts seem to think he grades better as a hitter but I tend to disagree. If he had to choose I think being a pitcher would benefit him more, especially once he starts focusing on it full-time. At 6-foot-7, he also has an ideal frame and effortless motion which helps him stay in rhythm with his delivery.
Now, we get to the hitting aspect of Bryce Eldridge. He has raw power from the left side helped by his very quick swing with a good approach at the plate. Eldridge does get pull-happy at times, which is rather common for lefty hitters with some pop, but it isn’t something that should hold back his natural hitting ability too much.
Bryce Eldridge is a plus defender at first base with soft hands and an even better arm. Leading many to believe he could end up in right field should he give up on the pitching dream.
So will Bryce Eldridge actually end up being a two-way player? It’s certainly possible but I honestly doubt it. He does make a better case than most but will likely benefit from sticking to one aspect of the game.
I think pitching would benefit him more, but if he does decide to stay at first base, I see a future for that as well. I just hope a team doesn’t reach too much thinking they’ve found the next Ohtani because I don’t believe that’s the case for Eldridge.
It will make an unbelievable story come draft day for whatever team ends up selecting him. It will be a tough choice for him, I just hope he makes the right one, whatever it may be.
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