Hot Stove Update: Giants Updated Roster Analysis- Catcher

 We'll start off our position-by-position comparison of the 2022 roster with the currently projected 2023 roster looking at whether they upgraded, downgraded or stood pat as well opportunities for upside.  First position up is Catcher:

2022:

Joey Bart 97 G, 83 Starts, 80 Starts at C, 3 Starts at DH, 1 PH, 3 PR.  .215/.296/.364, 11 HR, 8.9 BB%, 38/5 K%, 291 PA, 0.6 fWAR. 

Austin Wynns 66 G, 48 Starts, 43 Starts at C, 5 DH, 3 PH, 1 PR.  .259/.313/.358, 3 HR, 5.6 BB%, 21.5 K%, 177 PA, 0.4 fWAR.

Curt Casali 41 G, 35 Starts, 32 Starts at C, 2 1B, 1 DH.  .203/.318/.331, 5 HR, 13.6 BB%, 28/4 K%, 176 PA, fWAR= 0.4.  Traded midseason.

Michael Papierski 5 G, 3 Starts, 3 Starts at C, 1 1B, 1 PH.  0 for 9, BB, -0.2 bWAR. Churn.

Andrew Knapp 6 G, 3 Starts, 3 Starts at C. 1 for 4, 2 BB, 0.0 bWAR.  Churn.

2023:

Joey Bart(Steamer):  100 G, .220/.287/.372, 11 HR, 354 PA, 0.9 fWAR.

Austin Wynns(Steamer):  30 G, .241/.316, .358, 2 HR, 0.4 fWAR.

Blake Sabol(Steamer):  27 G, .243/.314/.402, 3 HR, 0.7 fWAR.

Outcome:  Stand Pat

Opportunity for Upside:  

1.  Bart was better in second half.

2.  Presumptive upward career trajectory for Bart.

3.  Wynns hit .283 in second half, .356 in Sept/Oct.

4.  Sabol as OF/3'rd C. Lefty bat, should hit better than Casali.

Comment:  For the second consecutive year, a lot is riding on Bart approaching his potential ceiling.  At no point in the Hot Stove League season did FZ or any of the beat writers suggest they were looking to upgrade the position and what's left on the FA market is definitely not an upgrade.  They reportedly kicked the tires on Sean Murphy but he ended up traded to ATL for a package the Giants could have matched or bettered so the degree of their interest is questionable.  At this point it looks like Bart or bust with hoping for Wynns improvement with consistent playing time and Sabol as a competent third option.