Patrick Bailey posted a 3.2 fWAR in 2025, driven largely by his exceptional framing skills. (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
CLEVELAND — By Saturday afternoon, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had received messages from eight or nine members of the San Francisco Giants organization regarding catcher Patrick Bailey. “Just raving,” Vogt said, “not wanting him to leave.” That wave of texts didn’t include Craig Albernaz, the Baltimore Orioles’ manager, who worked with Bailey in San Francisco. Vogt connected with Albernaz on Saturday, but noted he had “talked to Alby every day for two years” about Bailey. “Now you acquire him, after I leave?” Albernaz texted Vogt and Guardians president Chris Antonetti.
For years, the Guardians have prioritized defense and pitcher partnerships over offensive production at the catcher position. Players like Roberto Pérez, Yan Gomes, and Austin Hedges have embodied this approach—reliable receivers and leaders whose offensive contributions were a bonus, not a requirement. Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, perfectly fits that archetype. “I’ve been wanting to play with Hedges my whole career,” Bailey said.
To acquire Bailey, the Guardians sent minor-league pitcher Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson and the No. 29 pick in the upcoming draft to the Giants, while optioning longtime starter Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus. Antonetti argued the club wasn’t specifically seeking a Naylor replacement, but trade talks began about a week ago. The Guardians had expressed interest in Bailey at various times, and the deal was finalized early Saturday morning. “I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve just ready to get going to see what’s under the tree,” Bailey said.
At one point, the Guardians believed Naylor could offer both defensive reliability and offensive punch. A first-round pick and top-100 prospect, Naylor possessed power and athleticism that hinted at a long-term solution behind the plate—someone who could guide pitchers and avoid batting ninth. But his bat hasn’t developed as hoped. Among 250 hitters with at least 90 plate appearances this season, Naylor ranks 246th in OPS. He has improved his contact rate and reduced strikeouts, yet that hasn’t translated into production.
Before reporting to Columbus, Naylor will head to the team’s complex in Goodyear, Arizona, for a reset away from daily game demands. The Guardians held multiple calls with Naylor on Friday night and Saturday morning. Vogt described the initial conversation as “probably my least favorite conversation I’ve had since getting this job.” He added, “As a manager, being a former catcher, your catchers are your guys. To have that conversation with Bo hurt. It was a really painful night.”
Bailey isn’t a standout hitter either, but he is widely considered the top defensive catcher in the game. By pairing him with Hedges—who is enjoying a late-career offensive surge, albeit in just 54 plate appearances—the Guardians are once again fully committing to catcher defense. Bailey and Hedges are friends from a fantasy football league, and now they share the same dugout.
