SF Giants promote former first-round pick Patrick Bailey to Triple-A Sacramento
SAN FRANCISCO — A former top prospect is starting to gain momentum in the Giants organization.
Patrick Bailey, the No. 13 overall pick out of North Carolina State in the 2020 MLB Draft, was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.
Bailey was expected to move quickly through the Giants’ farm system, but injuries derailed his start in pro ball. He hit just .225 with a .761 OPS in High-A last year and was ranked as the Giants’ No. 27 overall prospect by Baseball America entering this season.
This year, the Giants feel great about the progress Bailey has made. Known as a defensive-first catcher, the 23-year-old was hitting .333 with an .882 OPS in 14 games with Double-A Richmond before his promotion.
“Patty was really doing good work in Double-A, swinging the bat and playing great defense,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday. “We think he’s close to big league ready as a defensive catcher right now. His at-bat quality has improved.”
The Giants think he could help the big league team soon.
“Our coaching staff knows him and trusts him,” Kapler said. “Anytime you get to Sacramento, you get to Triple-A, you’re just a step away from the major leagues. It is a bit of an aggressive promotion, but with that we think he’s capable of handling the challenge.”
Rule 5 pick Blake Sabol has been doing most of the catching for the Giants with Joey Bart sidelined due to a groin injury. Kapler said he’s hoping Bart will be able to contribute in the coming days.
Gary Sanchez, hitting just .159 with a .515 OPS in Sacramento, has a May 1 opt out available to him if he’s not on the big league club by then.