San Francisco Giants: Ricardo Genoves Is Proof That San Francisco Can Trade Joey Bart

“Trade Joey Bart to the Miami Marlins (or any other MLB roster). This statement is not a joke or a gag for Giants fans. Bart is obviously a very talented and gifted catcher. Yet, Buster Posey is an all-time great catcher who happens to play for these same San Francisco Giants. It’s time to consider Bart’s departure from San Fran.

Let the record show, I fully support and prefer a scenario with Bart and Posey splitting time as San Fran’s catcher and first baseman. I do not think the Giants front office believes in that scenario. Bart would have played at least one single game at first in Sacramento if they had. The Giants seem set to keep Posey as a catcher.

This is something I can’t wrap my head around. Bart has nothing left to prove in AAA. I suppose you could argue his catching skills aren’t as advanced as the team wishes. If that’s it (and I see no other reason), then he should have been dealt at the deadline.

What do you need to see from Bart offensively? In 252 ABs in 2021, Bart has 74 hits and 10 home runs. Given over a full 500 ABs, that’s approximately 140 hits and 20 HRs. Those seem pretty up to par for a catcher to me.

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What does San Francisco want out of Bart? You could obviously use him at the big league level. Why isn’t he playing his games at Oracle Park? It just doesn’t make sense. Is the team trying to showcase him as a catcher to other teams? I joked about Miami, however, they’d jump all over Bart. I’ll bet the title to my car a dozen or more other teams would be jumping as well.

The writing is written all over the Oracle Park walls at this point. I’m more convinced than ever before that Bart is on the trade block. Why?

Ricardo Genoves.

Ricardo Genoves isn’t a name casual Giants fans know but Ricardo Genoves isn’t a name diehard Giants fans know. In my eyes, Ricardo Genoves is the proof we all need from San Francisco that they are toying with moving Bart in the off-season (or soon after).

Here’s the thing about Genoves. He’s 22-years-old and this was his first introduction to affiliated ball in 2021. He shot through the system. In Lo-A, he sported a .441 OBP in 161 ABs. I did mention this was his first stab at affiliated ball, right?  He moved to Hi-A with far less production. However, in AAA, Genoves now boasts a 1.289 OPS in 19 ABs.

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When San Francisco let backup catcher, Chadwick Tromp, walk at the beginning of September, many (including myself) were puzzled. Tromp played in San Fran during Posey’s injuries. I wasn’t even thinking Genoves was the guy to replace him. There was no way he’d be ready. Safe to say I didn’t see that coming.

By Tromp moving on, you’re giving Genoves the keys to that coveted backup role. It’s not what’s envisioned for Bart. He’s not a relief catcher. This gives us an idea of what the Giants’ plans are.

1.    Bart is dealt and Genoves becomes the unquestioned backup and developing catcher in San Fran. The Giants firmly commit themselves to Posey and there are no distractions.  This is likely given the faith the team has shown in Genoves with the aggressive promotion.

2.    Bart is kept at Sacramento next year and plays a few weeks as the team’s 1B as Genoves develops under his guidance. Bart is then moved to San Fran as a split 1B/C. However, we’ve already determined that’s not going to happen.

You aren’t promoting a 22-year-old through 4 affiliated levels in 1 season to have his backup a gifted top-100 prospect with nothing left to prove. Shooting Genoves through the minors, and moving on from Tromp, signals the Giants are invested. They want Genoves to back up Posey. Bart is not the 1B they want full-time. It’s a surefire conclusion that San Fran isn’t going to bring Bart up to be a backup. What’s the point?

This is why San Fran will deal him. They haven’t run out of options or patience. It’s just not productive to your future having a major league-ready prospect on your roster when you have a top-10 all-time player at that position in the big leagues. Look to deal Bart away.

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The Giants can use some pitching depth (Hi, Miami) to go along with the stud prospects they have now. San Fran could also use some offensive punch in the infield in their farm system. Bart gets you something good for your farm. He’s a major league-ready bat with a solid defensive game behind the plate. Who wouldn’t want that?

I don’t want to see Joey Bart dealt from the Giants. I also don’t want to see Joey Bart play another AAA game. At this point you either give him time as your 1B/C in San Fran or deal him. Just developing him for the sake of developing him doesn’t serve a purpose. Posey isn’t leaving anytime soon. Can’t expect Joey Bart to want to either if he’s not given what he deserves. Pretty safe to say I know what I’d do if I were in the Giants front office.

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Daniel Gentile

Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288