Joey Bart a question mark for the San Francisco Giants

Joey Bart unexpectedly had a chance to prove that he truly was the heir apparent to Buster Posey. Now, the former San Francisco Giants‘ top prospect will have the chance once again.

Posey’s unexpected retirement on Thursday has now thrust Bart into the spotlight. He is nominally atop their depth chart, a giant question mark for a team that is hoping to build off of their unexpected success in 2021. His own success going forward will be a major part of the Giants’ future.

Joey Bart getting his chance with San Francisco Giants

Bart found himself in a similar place before. When Posey opted out of the 2020 campaign, he received an extended look with the Giants. However, he did not fare well, posting a .233/.288/.320 batting line with just seven extra base hits in his 111 plate appearances, striking out 41 times with only three walks. He clearly was not ready for the challenge.

Based on his Triple-A numbers, that is no longer the case. He produced an excellent .294/.358/.472 batting line in his 279 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and 15 doubles. However, his strikeout numbers were again higher than one would want to see, as he was set down on strikes 82 times.

That will be the key to whether or not Bart can have success at the major league level. His walk rate is approximately six percent at the minor league level, and he has displayed a tendency to chase balls out of the zone. Pitchers simply do not need to throw him a strike in order to get him out.

This approach will need to change in order for Bart to live up to his potential. He has impressive power when he makes contact, and his defensive skills will lead to continued chances. But that combination could also lead to his being a typical backup catcher unless he learns to command the zone better.

There is still plenty of time for that to happen. Bart will turn 25 years old at the end of this year, and the hitting side of the game tends to take longer to develop with catchers. It would not be a surprise to see the Giants working on his pitch recognition throughout spring training, trying to improve his approach before the regular season begins.

Joey Bart had been considered the Catcher of the Future for the San Francisco Giants. He will now have his chance to prove that is still the case.