Many people thought that the Houston Astros would try to get Willson Contreras from the Chicago Cubs, but the team recently said that they are happy with the catchers they already have.
In the same rumor, the San Francisco Giants were identified as a new name rising in the Contreras sweepstakes. With Joey Bart in the minors and the Giants’ backstop duo consisting of Curt Casali and Austin Wynns, this team could certainly use an upgrade.
What about Joey Bart if the Giants sign Contreras?
Contreras, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, would likely slot in as a rental on this Giants team and keep Joey Bart out of the starting lineup for the rest of the season.
In his first full season as the Giants’ catcher, the former No. 2 overall choice has struggled immensely, filling in for the recently retired Buster Posey. Since he was picked, he has been seen as Posey’s likely successor as catcher.
The Giants recently demoted Bart after he began the 2022 season with a.156/.296/.300 batting line and four home runs in 36 games (one of which came off Albert Pujols). Prior to his relegation, the rookie catcher was on a 2-for-25 streak during which he struck out 15 times.
While Bart has yet to play in a minor league game this season, he will be returning to the minors to work on his craft and get back into the swing of things.
Whether he makes it back up or not, a Contreras trade would keep him out of the starting lineup for the big league team, as Contreras is by far the superior catcher on both offense and defense.
Fortunately for Bart, he may regain the throne as early as next season, as Contreras is a free agent at the end of the 2022 season and isn’t guaranteed to re-sign with the Giants or even be traded to the Bay Area to begin with.
