Latest SF Giants addition should get an extended look to prove he can stick

The SF Giants called up Drew Cavanaugh on Friday, with Daniel Susac landing on the injured list. Cavanaugh should get an extended look, as no other backstop has run with the opportunity since Patrick Bailey was traded.

When Susac landed on the injured list, promoting Cavanaugh was the rational move to make, but also a reflection of the Giants' lack of confidence in the other catchers on the 40-man roster. This includes Eric Haase and Jesús Rodríguez.

Haase is very much a bat-first catcher. That said, a bat-first catcher also needs to hit a lot for that role to make sense. The veteran bat has run into a few pitches, launching four home runs, but this comes with a .700 OPS in 66 plate appearances. That is a respectable mark, but he needs to hit more than that to generate value.

On the other hand, the Giants like Rodríguez's offensive profile, but his defense behind the plate remains a work in progress. Admittedly, it feels it would be in his best interest to find one position and stick him there rather than to try to turn him into a super utility player.

The Giants were impressed with Susac in the early going and felt comfortable moving on from Patrick Bailey. This move opened up playing time for Susac. That said, it is starting to feel like a short-sighted move, as Susac has struggled after an incredible start.

No one else from SF Giants catching core is running away with opportunity

The Giants have four backstops now on the 40-man roster, but Haase and Rodríguez do not look like solutions. Only time will tell if the same is true for Susac, but his bat has struggled over the past six weeks.

Given that no one has run with the opportunity, it could create a runway for Drew Cavanaugh to get a look. He was originally a 17th-round pick in the 2023 draft out of Florida Southern College. Since the start of 2025, the left-handed bat has been one of the organization's best hitters. His emergence has been a pleasant developmental success story.

Cavanaugh posted a .999 OPS with nine home runs and 34 RBI in 227 plate appearances split across two levels this season. He does not have a true standout tool on offense, but he has a good eye at the plate and will make pitchers work. This has led to healthy walk rates in the minors. Even being a platoon bat from the left side with a respectable on-base percentage should result in a decent role.

On defense, Cavanaugh is a solid backstop and already better than some of the other options on the 40-man roster. He does not draw any attention when he is behind the plate, and that is a good sign for a catcher.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow