Giants Trade Bailey to Guardians for Wilkinson, No. 29 Pick

The San Francisco Giants traded catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, acquiring left-handed pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson and the No. 29 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft in return.

Bailey, a 26-year-old two-time Gold Glove winner at catcher in 2024 and 2025, has established himself as one of baseball's elite defensive players since his 2023 debut with the Giants. He leads the majors in catcher framing runs and ranks highly in defensive runs saved and pop time over the past three seasons. This year, however, Bailey has struggled offensively, batting .146 with one home run and five RBIs in 89 plate appearances across 30 games. His career slash line stands at .224/.282/.329 over 383 games.

The Giants, who entered the day with a 15-23 record and the majors-worst 3.16 runs per game, viewed Bailey as expendable behind a group of alternative catchers. Prospect Daniel Susac hit .478/.500/.652 in 11 games before an elbow injury sidelined him; he is currently on a rehab assignment. Recent call-up Jesus Rodriguez and veteran Eric Haase provide additional offensive options at the position. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey approved the deal six weeks...