SF Giants 2026 spring training preview: catchers

Patrick Bailey's backup role up for grabs as Giants weigh options behind the plate

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The San Francisco Giants have a two-time Gold Glove Award winner in Patrick Bailey as their starting catcher, but the backup role is up for grabs this spring training. The Giants are considering several options, including Daniel Susac, Jesus Rodriguez, and Eric Haase, each with varying degrees of experience and defensive abilities.

Why it matters

The Giants' backup catcher will play an important role in supporting Bailey, who had a down offensive year in 2025 despite his elite defensive skills. The competition for the backup spot highlights the team's depth at the position and the importance of having a capable second option behind the plate.

The details

Bailey, 26, had the worst offensive season of his career in 2025, but finished strong with an .814 OPS in September. The Giants are looking to complement his glove-first approach with a backup who can provide more offense. The top contenders are Daniel Susac, a Rule 5 Draft pick, Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in a trade last year, and veteran Eric Haase. Manager Tony Vitello has emphasized the importance of defense at the catcher position, but the Giants could also opt for a bat-first backup to complement Bailey.

  • The Giants will make their final roster decisions before Opening Day in late March 2026.

The players

Patrick Bailey

A two-time Gold Glove Award winner and one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, Bailey is the Giants' starting catcher.

Daniel Susac

A Rule 5 Draft pick acquired by the Giants, Susac is a taller catcher with a strong arm and defensive abilities.

Jesus Rodriguez

Acquired in a trade last year, Rodriguez has a strong minor-league batting average but lacks experience behind the plate.

Eric Haase

A veteran catcher with over 2,000 innings of major-league experience, Haase is known for his defensive skills.

Tony Vitello

The Giants' manager, who has emphasized the importance of defense at the catcher position.

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What they’re saying

“It is just that: competition. You have varying degrees of experience back there. Susac comes from a very good baseball family. I think one thing we talked about … is the importance of rapport and character, how you go about your business back there. Haase has a strong reputation for that. So, right now, it's kind of fun. Options are always a good thing.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager (fresnobee.com)

“My background has always been defense first with that position. My college career started being a pitching coach, and rather than blame the pitchers if something went wrong, I would just blame the catchers. It's kind of an easy way out. Those guys are so essential in so many different ways, but if those guys can contribute defensively, then everything they do offensively to me is icing on the cake.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager (fresnobee.com)

“It's a good opportunity to compete. I feel like everybody here is going to get better and try to get that spot, but for me, it's just being better every day, be better than I was yesterday. If the team gives me the opportunity to be the backup catcher, I'll be happy with it. If not, I'll go wherever they send me and keep doing my job.”

— Jesus Rodriguez (fresnobee.com)

What’s next

The Giants will make their final roster decisions before Opening Day in late March 2026.

The takeaway

The Giants have an enviable situation behind the plate, with an elite defensive catcher in Patrick Bailey and several intriguing options to back him up. The competition for the backup role showcases the team's depth at the position and the importance of having a capable second option to support Bailey's strengths.