Breakdown
Performance
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May 13, 2026
Left out of lineup
Bailey is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.
Analysis
In four games with his new team, the switch-hitting Bailey has been in the lineup both times against righties and out of the lineup on both occasions versus lefties. While Bailey could continue to sit against southpaws, it's also possible his absence from Wednesday's lineup is simply due to it being an afternoon game after he started Tuesday night. Another factor into the decision to sit Bailey is that Parker Messick is Wednesday's starter, and Austin Hedges has been his personal catcher.
May 11, 2026
Taking seat Monday
Bailey is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.
Analysis
David Fry will get the nod at catcher over Bailey, who went 0-for-3 at the dish in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Twins in his Guardians debut. Bailey is expected to see the lion's share of the playing time behind the dish with his new club, but the 26-year-old backstop likely won't carry much fantasy appeal outside of two-catcher mixed leagues or AL-only leagues. He's batting just .141/.207/.176 on the season, with his .383 OPS placing him last among all catchers who have logged at least 70 plate appearances.
May 11, 2026
Makes club debut
Bailey went 0-for-3 in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Twins.
Analysis
Bailey, who was acquired from the Giants on Saturday, made his debut for the Guardians a day later. He'll take the lead on the depth chart at catcher ahead of Austin Hedges. Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, likely won't offer much with the bat and is hitting .141 with five RBI over 31 games on the season.
May 9, 2026
Traded to Cleveland
The Giants traded Bailey to the Guardians on Saturday in exchange for Matt Wilkinson and the 29th pick in the 2026 First-Year Player Draft, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Bailey was starting to see his playing time decrease significantly with the Giants after beginning the season with just a .396 OPS through 89 plate appearances. The Guardians have also been fighting to get consistent production out of the catcher spot, as Bo Naylor has struggled to the tune of a .438 OPS over his first 28 games and will now head down to Triple-A following Cleveland's acquisition of Bailey. Although he hasn't produced much at the plate this year, Bailey's elite defense should allow him to at least work in a timeshare behind the dish with Austin Hedges.
May 8, 2026
Sitting Friday
Bailey isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Bailey has been starting to lose playing time recently, as Friday will mark his third missed start in San Francisco's last five games. Jesus Rodriguez will pick up a start behind the plate and bat ninth while Bailey sits.
