Report: Giants ‘not actively shopping' top prospect Bart

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After the Giants took another catcher in the first round of 2020 MLB Draft, some began to wonder whether Joey Bart, whom the organization had selected No. 2 overall just two years earlier, might be a trade candidate this offseason.

Although teams repeatedly ask about Bart's availability in trade discussions, the Giants are "not actively shopping" the young catcher, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday, citing sources.

The Giants drafted N.C. State's Patrick Bailey No. 13 overall in June. With Buster Posey opting out of the 2020 season, Bart had an opportunity to solidify himself in the Giants' lineup, but he hit just .233 without a single home run over 111 plate appearances in his first MLB season. His 41 strikeouts and lackluster defense at times also made some re-examine the Georgia Tech product.

Rosenthal reported that the Cleveland Indians asked about Bart when the Giants "inquired" into a possible Francisco Lindor trade.

RELATED: Why Giants' Dubon has affinity for center field over other positions

Bart's potential is no joke, as the 24-year-old was an MILB.com Organizational All-Star in 2019, slashing .278/.328/.495 over 338 plate appearances in High-A and Double-A, adding 16 home runs and 48 RBI.

Posey is expected to return for the 2021 season, and with the Giants signing Curt Casali to a one-year contract as the backup, Bart likely will start the season in the minor leagues. But unless the absolutely perfect trade for a star comes along, don't expect to see the young catcher change organizations anytime soon.

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