Japan-born Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani continues to shine brightly. However, Bryce Eldridge, a young and promising prospect, is emerging from the shadows, eagerly seeking to follow in the footsteps of the baseball trailblazer.
Eldridge, standing tall at an impressive 6' 7" and weighing in at 223 pounds, is an 18-year-old prodigy who has demonstrated immense talent during his senior year at Madison High School in Virginia.
On the mound, Eldridge's performances have been nothing short of dominant. The right-handed pitcher boasts an astonishingly low 1.06 ERA (Earned Run Average). Apart from his prowess as a pitcher, Eldridge is also impressive as a left-handed hitter. Sporting a remarkable 1.716 OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging Percentage), he has showcased his exceptional batting skills and power at the plate.
Bryce ranks at No. 23 in the MLB Pipeline’s Draft Prospect Rankings.
"I know not many people can do it,” Eldridge said making it clear that he is determined to become a two-way player in the mold of Shohei Ohtani. “But it’s something I’m super dedicated to.”
He added:
“I guess I’m kind of a scary-looking dude. I’m very tall, and I’m 18 years old with a beard. But you can come up to me. I’m a nice kid, and I’ll be very respectful.”
"Bryce Eldridge….Red, White and Boom!" - MLB Draft Room
To challenge Ohtani's unique stature, Eldridge will need to continue honing his skills and adapting to a professional level of play. Transitioning from the amateur ranks to the Majors is a significant step, and he will face a higher level of competition
Bryce Eldridge won gold medal at WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In Sept. 2022, the U.S. team, under the exceptional leadership of Floridian frontrunner Aiden Miller, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated championship game against Chinese Taipei with 5-1.
Bryce Eldridge made an indelible mark on the international baseball stage as a member of Team USA in the XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. His outstanding performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the prestigious All-World Team.
"We Did It. Family Forever." - Bryce
Eldridge's contributions to Team USA extended beyond his position as a designated hitter.
With an impressive batting average of .316, he amassed six hits in 19 at-bats, displaying his consistency to come through in crucial moments. His offensive firepower was exemplified by his three home runs, the highest in the tournament.
Not only was Eldridge a force at the plate, but he also proved his versatility on the mound. Demonstrating remarkable command and composure, he showcased his pitching skills during three appearances, where he threw three scoreless innings. His dominance was further emphasized by his ability to strike out five opposing batters.
Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Eldridge was not only named to the All-World Team but also honored with the coveted Most Valuable Player award.