Is Patrick Bailey the most valuable player you've never heard of? While his offensive stats for the San Francisco Giants this season might make you cringe (.216 batting average, .573 OPS), his defensive prowess is turning heads and winning games. Despite struggling at the plate, Bailey's contributions to the Giants are undeniable, making him a surprisingly valuable asset.
Elite Defense: Bailey's Real Superpower
Bailey isn't just good defensively; he's elite. Statcast gives him a fielding run value of 21, tying him for the best in baseball. He's in the 100th percentile, meaning no one provides more defensive value. His baseball savant page is awash in dark red, showcasing his exceptional skills.
Breaking Down Bailey's Defensive Domination:
- Pitch Framing: Bailey consistently ranks in the 100th percentile for pitch framing. He turns borderline pitches into strikes, saving runs for his pitchers. Statcast reveals he excels at framing pitches at both the top and bottom of the strike zone, as well as on the lateral fringes.
- Blocking: He's above average in blocking, ranking in the 82nd percentile.
- Throwing: His caught-stealing above average ranks in the 97th percentile, with a pop time of 1.87 seconds, also in the 97th percentile.
Andrew Baggarly noted in September 2025, Bailey’s pitch framing has saved the equivalent of 23 runs for his San Francisco Giants batterymates, according to Statcast, which not only leads his major-league catching cohort but accounts for 18.8 percent of all positive outcomes created leaguewide. He saves strikes for Logan Webb on two-seamers at the knees. He saves strikes for Robbie Ray on four-seam fastballs at the letters.
The Cost of Excellence
While Bailey's offensive struggles are a concern, the Giants are willing to overlook them as long as he maintains his elite defensive performance. His ability to frame pitches, block balls, and throw out runners provides immense value that traditional stats don't fully capture. He's a defensive force, helping his starting pitchers and changing the game behind the plate.
Ultimately, Patrick Bailey is a testament to the fact that baseball is more than just hitting. His defensive brilliance makes him a crucial part of the Giants' success, proving that sometimes, the best offense is a great defense.