Giants release former top catching prospect Joey Bart

Field Level Media|published: 03/31/2024, 9:01pm EDT

Mar 11, 2024; Surprise, Arizona, USA; San Francisco Giants designated hitter Joey Bart (21) reacts after striking out against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Surprise Stadium. credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants designated former top catching prospect Joey Bart for assignment on Sunday.

Bart, 27, was the No. 2 pick of the 2018 draft and was expected to be the heir to Buster Posey behind the plate.

However, Bart didn't pan out, playing just 162 games over four seasons and hitting .219 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs. In 457 at-bats, he struck out 178 times.

The move allowed the Giants to select right-hander Daulton Jefferies' contract from Triple-A Sacramento before Sunday's game. Jefferies, 28, took the loss, surrendering nine runs (five earned) in two innings as the Giants were routed 13-4 by the host San Diego Padres. It was his first major league appearance in nearly two years.

The Giants have two catchers, Patrick Bailey and Tom Murphy, on their roster.

—Field Level Media