For years, Buster Posey has been one of the faces of the San Francisco Giants. He has been their primary catcher since 2010, a seven time All Star, the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, and the 2012 NL MVP. However, at 34 years old, Posey is not getting any younger, and time catches up quickly to major league catchers.
The Giants appeared to have their catcher of the future with Joey Bart. Instead, he has potentially come available in trade talks as San Francisco is looking for upgrades to their rotation and lineup.
Buster Posey likely the long term answer for San Francisco Giants
In theory, Bart could become expendable because of Patrick Bailey. The 13th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft has spent time at three different levels this season, but has struggled to hit at a level higher than Rookie ball. Nonetheless, the 22 year old could take over as the Giants’ catcher of the future.
This would leave Posey as the main option until such a time as Bailey is ready, if that happens. Such a move would have been unthinkable before this season, as Posey had skipped the 2020 campaign when he opted out due to the pandemic. He had not exactly been the player he once was in the two seasons prior, posting a 95 OPS+ with just 12 homers and 46 doubles in his 893 plate appearances.
This season has been much different. Posey appears to be rejuvenated after taking last year off, having returned to the form that made him one of the best catchers in the game. He has produced a surprising .326/.418/.544 batting line with 13 homers and eight doubles in his 249 plate appearances, making it probable that the Giants pick up his option for the 2022 season.
Given his performance this season, and how he appears to have more life left in his bat, it would not be a surprise for the Giants to engage him in extension talks. They could keep Posey as a member of the organization for life, while buying the time they need for Bailey to be ready to assume the reins. Such a move could even save the Giants some money in 2022, as his option is worth $22 million.
This does not mean that Bart will be on the move. The Giants would likely need to receive more than a rental in order for him to be traded elsewhere. Posey’s resurgence, however, gives the Giants options, and makes it likely that the face of the franchise will hang up his cleats with the only team he has ever known.
With Buster Posey’s strong season and Joey Bart on the trade block, the San Francisco Giants longtime catcher may not be going anywhere soon.