SF Giants trading Patrick Bailey has huge unintended Logan Webb consequence

With the surprise news that the SF Giants traded away catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians, there are plenty of immediate and future ramifications to break down. One underrated ramification is how this move will impact ace Logan Webb.

Unfortunately, Webb was just placed on the IL with a knee issue. Manager Tony Vitello revealed that a knee issue was bugging Webb during his last start after he was removed after the fourth inning even though he'd only thrown 60-something pitches but he got roughed up pretty bad by the San Diego Padres.

When he gets back from the IL, there is inevitably going to be an adjustment period as he gets used to Daniel Susac and Jesus Rodriguez behind the dish. Both guys are young, inexperienced catchers and while they obviously bring more to the table offensively there is going to be an inevitable drop-off on defense.

Webb is going to have to adjust to two rookie catchers

Bailey won two Gold Gloves for a reason. He's the best pitch framer in baseball and even if that isn't quite as valuable in the ABS era, it still matters especially since teams only get two challenges and many try to conserve them for late in the game.

Webb has unquestionably been a key beneficiary of Bailey's framing over the years. Every pitcher on the Giants has benefited, but Webb has almost certainly been helped the most by Bailey over the years just since Webb has been so reliable, durable, and consistent and has thrown to Bailey more than any other pitcher. It feels so weird for him to miss a start and go on the IL.

Since 2023 when Bailey got called up, Webb has thrown to Bailey in 78 games and he has a 3.10 ERA in 494 innings pitched. Those guys have been through a lot together.

Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow theorized that Webb, and sinker-ballers as a whole, have been hurt by the ABS system. Umpires seem to be calling fewer strikes especially around the knees which is where Webb usually lives with his pitches.

Krukow thinks Webb has had to elevate his sinker more to make sure it gets called as a strike and hitters are taking advantage of it. Perhaps ABS and his knee issue are to blame for him uncharacteristic 5.06 ERA on the season.

Beyond framing, Bailey and Webb just know each other so well at this point. They know exactly what the other is thinking and Bailey knows Webb's stuff better than anyone so now Webb is going to have to build new relationships with Susac and Rodriguez. There will inevitably be some growing pains as these rookies figure out what Webb likes to throw and what he's comfortable with.

It may not seem like a huge thing, but pitchers can be extremely particular with their catchers so Webb may have a tough time adjusting to this new reality whenever he gets back on the mound after his IL stint.

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