Story by
Giants Make Trade With Guardians on Saturday
- Story by
- Giants Make Trade With Guardians on Saturday
The San Francisco Giants have traded catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians . The Giants will receive the No. 29 draft pick in the 2026 MLB draft and pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson.
As a result of the trade, the Guardians are optioning catcher Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus. Naylor had played 23 this season for the Guardians as a backstop.
Advertisement
Bailey was drafted by the Giants in the 2020 MLB draft but wouldn't make his debut until the 2023 MLB season. In his first season in the Bay Area, he recorded a .233 batting average, connecting with seven home runs and 48 RBIs.
His best season performance came in the 2024 MLB season, where he recorded a career-high .234 batting average. Bailey also connected with a career-high eight home runs and 46 RBIs.
Bailey's standout performance in the 2024 MLB season led to the catcher winning his first Gold Glove Award. He became the fourth catcher to win the award with the Giants.
Advertisement
Bailey would make history during the 2025 MLB season by becoming the first player in MLB history to record a walk-off inside-the-park home run and a walk-off grand slam in a single season. He would put a stamp on the season as he would win the Gold Glove Award for the second time in his career.
In the 2026 MLB season, Bailey played 30 games, hitting a .146 batting average, including one home run and five RBIs. Despite his best attempts to help the team, the Giants have struggled to make an impact this season, with the team currently in last place in the NL West.
Through a text message with Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, Bailey expressed his gratitude to the organization for his time as a Giant.
Advertisement
"(I'm) super grateful for the Giants organization giving me many opportunities to play this game and the incredible support from the fans for me and my family," Bailey said (h/t Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area).
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (23) walks towards the dugout after making a pitching change© Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
With Bailey making his way over to Cleveland, pitching prospect Wilkinson will make his way over to the Bay Area. Wilkinson was drafted by the Guardians in the 2023 MLB Draft but has yet to make his official MLB debut.
While playing in Double-A Akron this season, Wilkinson's pitching prowess was on full display. He posted a 1.59 ERA, including 36 strikeouts, in six games playing as a starter.
Advertisement
With the addition of Bailey to the roster, the Guardians will look to extend their lead at the top of the AL Central.
Related: Blake Snell Injury: Dodgers Get Update on All-Star Pitcher Before Braves Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
