San Francisco Giants catcher Daniel Susac, 25, emerged from an uncertain spring training to claim the starting catching job following the May 9 trade of two‑time Gold Glove winner Patrick Bailey . In his first 27 MLB at‑bats, Susac posted a .407 average, five RBI and a .984 OPS despite an early‑season elbow strain.

Susac’s breakout numbers after the May 9 Bailey trade

According to the source, Susac’s offensive surge – a .407 batting average and near‑one‑point OPS – arrived just weeks after the Giants moved Bailey to Cleveland. those figures, compiled in only 27 at‑bats, signal a rapid adjustment to major‑league pitching and give San Francisco a potent left‑handed bat in the lineup.

From Rule 5 pick to daily starter: the rapid development path

The Giants acquired Susac as a Rule 5 selection from the Minnesota Twins, who had taken him from the Oakland Athletics, the team that drafted him 19th overall in 2022. The source notes that his progression was swift: “He’s a ballplayer. He’s a dritbag. Behind the plate, he can really, really throw,” manager Gabe Kapler praised, highlighting Susac’s defensive instincts and arm strength.

Family ties and hometown roots fueling the rookie’s confidence

Susac grew up attending games at the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Giants’ Triple‑A affiliate,the River Cats, and his older brother Andrew played in the majors. The source quotes Susac saying it felt “surreal” to catch for the team he watched as a child,a sentiment that appears to drive his work ethic.

What remains unclear about Susac’s long‑term role

Despite the early success, two specific questions linger: will Susac stay healthy after the elbow issue , and can he sustain his offensive production over a full season? The source provides no comment from the Giants’ medical staff or from Bailey on the trade’s impact,leaving those points unverified.

Why Kapler’s flexible catching strategy matters for the Giants’ lineup

Kapler has emphasized a “no‑one‑is‑the‑clear‑No. 1” philosophy, suggesting Susac will share duties based on nightly performance.. This approach, noted in the source , could keep the Giants’ offense dynamic and protect Susac from the wear of a full‑time role while the team evaluates other catching options.