The San Francisco Giants have added veteran depth behind the plate, agreeing to a minor league contract with catcher Eric Haase as they continue to shape their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The deal gives Haase a clear path to the big-league club if he performs well in camp, with a reported base salary of $1.6 million should he make the Opening Day roster. The agreement also includes an opt-out at the conclusion of Spring Training, allowing Haase flexibility if he does not secure a spot with the major league team.

For San Francisco, the move addresses a quiet but meaningful need. While the Giants are set at the top of the catching depth chart with Patrick Bailey, there was a noticeable lack of major league experience behind him.

Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, is expected to handle the bulk of the workload once again, but the club needed a more proven option to stabilize the position and provide insurance in the event of injury or roster turnover.

Haase fits that profile as a seasoned backstop with nearly a decade of big-league experience.

Haase, 33, spent the 2025 season in the Brewers organization, opening the year as the primary backup to All-Star catcher William Contreras.

His role changed at the trade deadline when Milwaukee acquired Danny Jansen, pushing Haase out of the major league picture. After clearing waivers, he finished the year in Triple-A, appearing in 19 games before electing free agency once the season concluded.

Over parts of eight MLB seasons, Haase has carved out a reputation as a power-oriented catcher, particularly from the right side of the plate. His most notable stretch came with the Tigers from 2021 to 2022, when he served as Detroit’s primary catcher and showed flashes of legitimate pop.

However, his offensive profile comes with significant swing-and-miss, as reflected in a career strikeout rate north of 30 percent. Across just under 400 big league games, Haase owns a .228 batting average with modest on-base production, making him better suited for a supporting role rather than an everyday assignment.

Defensively, Haase presents a mixed picture. He is known for having a strong throwing arm, but his overall work behind the plate has graded closer to average or below, particularly in terms of framing and blocking.

That limitation likely caps his upside with the Giants, but his experience calling games and managing pitching staffs still holds value in a clubhouse that leans heavily on its defensive anchor in Bailey.

San Francisco’s internal catching options remain largely untested at the MLB level. Rule 5 pick Daniel Susac and young catcher Jesús Rodríguez are both on the 40-man roster, but neither has appeared in a major league game.

Rodríguez impressed in the upper minors last season and even traveled with the big league club late in the year, while Susac faces roster pressure due to Rule 5 restrictions. Haase’s presence gives the Giants breathing room as they evaluate those younger players without forcing them into premature roles.

Ultimately, this signing is less about upside and more about stability. If Haase earns a roster spot, the Giants gain a reliable veteran backup. If not, the organization still benefits from experienced depth during camp. Either way, the move reflects a pragmatic approach as San Francisco balances short-term competitiveness with long-term development behind the plate.

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