Giants prospects: Patrick Bailey ties franchise record at AA

The top-catching prospect in the SF Giants farm system tied a franchise record with the team's Double-A affiliate in Richmond on Tuesday. Richmond Flying Squirrels catcher Patrick Bailey (Giants #21 prospect) went 5-for-5 with a home run and a walk in a 15-6 win over the Erie SeaWolves, tying a Flying Squirrels' franchise single-game record with five hits. It was the 10th five-hit game in the team's history.

Bailey was selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2020 draft out of NC State. Bailey had been a three-year starter behind the plate with the Wolfpack and had showcased intriguing potential defensively and as a switch-hitter.

While Bailey was expected to move quickly through the minors, his career got off to an unexpectedly slow start. Bailey began his professional career in 2021 with High-A Eugene and hit just .185/.290/.296 in 33 games before he was optioned to Single-A San Jose. Bailey finished the season strong at the lower level, posting a .322/.416/.531 line.

Back in Eugene last season, Bailey was far from exceptional but did take some notable steps forward. He hit .225/.342/.420 with 14 doubles and 12 home runs across 83 games. Granted, particular struggles against left-handed pitching dampened Bailey's overall numbers. He posted a far better .252/.370/.481 triple-slash against righties with a 15.7% walk rate and an above-average 19.7% strikeout rate.

There has been significant buzz surrounding Bailey from within the organization since the preseason. Bailey appeared in 10 games with the big-league team during spring training and recorded four hits in 14 at-bats. Since the start of the regular season, though, at Double-A Richmond, Bailey has been crushing opposing pitching.

Through eight games this season, Patrick Bailey is hitting .412/.460/.559 with two doubles, a home run, three walks, and seven strikeouts in 37 plate appearances. Needless to say, the SF Giants hope their top-catching prospect can change the narrative around his pro career this season and perhaps even make a push to make his big-league debut.