The San Francisco Giants traded two-time Gold Glove catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for the No. 29 pick in this year’s draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson, according to Jeff Passan.
Bailey is only 26-years-old and was once viewed as a young foundational piece for the Giants. But his lackluster offensive production did not make up for his spectacular defense.
Best Social Media Reactions to the Patrick Bailey Trade
Many beat reporters shared their reaction on “X.”
Tim Kawakami of the SF Standard wrote: “89 plate appearances this season with an OPS+ of 16. That’s when 100 is MLB average. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a number that low from a regular.”
Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area wrote: “There was a lot of frustration in recent weeks as the [Giants] tried different things to get the bat going. This front office absolutely loves Rodriguez, and Susac has been great too.”
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, “We are beyond excited to get [Bailey].”
Bailey also texted Slusser, “I’m super grateful for the Giants organization giving me many opportunities to play this game and the incredible support from the fans for me and my family!”
GettySan Francisco Giants catcher Daniel Susac will get a greater opportunity after Patrick Bailey trade
Who is Set to Take Over at Catcher for the San Francisco Giants?
The Giants will use both Jesus Rodriguez and Daniel Susac at catcher. Rodriguez was recently called up from Triple-A Sacramento and started 4 games for the major league club. He has already shown excellent bat-to-ball skills with 5 hits in 11 at-bats, including a home run and 2 RBIs.
Rodriguez has positional versatility, who can play third base, second base and the corner outfield. The Giants played the utility man in right field in one of his four games while Bailey was behind the plate.
Susac is another great offensive option behind the plate. In 11 games, he recorded 11 hits in 23 at-bats and 5 RBIs. Susac was pushing Bailey for the starting position before he was sent to the 15-day IL with an elbow injury.
The offensive production from Susac and Rodriguez made the decision easier for the President of Baseball Operations, Buster Posey, to trade the two-time Gold Glove winner.
Both Susac and Rodriguez currently have a higher than .450 batting average. Bailey only has a .146 average.
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