Free agent pickups: Bryce Eldridge leads a (fantas...
Key takeaways
- It was redemption for the 21-year-old rookie, who had struck out swinging in a similarly big ninth-inning spot with runners on the corners and two outs two nights earlier.
- It's quite the turnaround for Eldridge, who hit a ghastly .158 with one home run and a 28.7% strikeout rate through his first 26 MLB games (including his 2025 cup of coffee).
- Best yet, Eldridge finds himself only four games shy of first base eligibility in ESPN leagues.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Bryce Eldridge has found his hitting stride and is four games away from first base eligibility, making him an intriguing waiver wire pick. AP Photo/Scott Marshall Tristan H. Cockcroft Jun 15, 2026, 10:45 AM ETClose Tristan H. Cockcroft is senior writer for fantasy baseball and football at ESPN. Tristan is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He is also a two-time LABR and three-time Tout Wars champion.Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions History was made in San Francisco this past week, as Bryce Eldridge (DH, San Francisco Giants, 18.1% rostered) on Wednesday became the youngest player ever to hit a walk-off grand slam, per the Elias Sports Bureau.
It was redemption for the 21-year-old rookie, who had struck out swinging in a similarly big ninth-inning spot with runners on the corners and two outs two nights earlier. But don't let that convince you that Eldridge's was a one-time positive moment, as the grand slam served as the "meat" in a proverbial three-day home run streak sandwich. For the month of June, he's hitting .413/.500/.674 through 13 games.
It's quite the turnaround for Eldridge, who hit a ghastly .158 with one home run and a 28.7% strikeout rate through his first 26 MLB games (including his 2025 cup of coffee). Thanks in large part to improving his approach against breaking pitches -- his expected wOBA has leapt 170 points against them this year compared to last -- and adopting a more fly ball-oriented swing, he finally seems to be adapting to life in the majors.