The San Francisco Giants are adding a veteran presence behind the plate, agreeing to a $1.6 million deal with catcher Eric Haase. It’s a move that doesn’t make headlines in January, but it could end up being one of those under-the-radar signings that pays dividends over the course of a long season.

Haase, 33, brings experience and pop to the Giants’ catching depth chart. Originally a seventh-round pick by Cleveland back in 2011, the Michigan native has carved out a steady-if unspectacular-career in the big leagues. He’s logged time with Cleveland, Detroit, and most recently Milwaukee, where he spent the past two seasons.

His 2024 campaign with the Brewers turned some heads. Haase posted an .819 OPS that year, showing off the kind of offensive upside that’s not easy to find in a backup catcher. That production dipped in 2025, falling to a .647 OPS, but his track record suggests he’s capable of providing value in the right role.

Across 383 MLB games, Haase owns a .228 batting average with 48 home runs in 1,183 at-bats. Those aren’t numbers that jump off the page, but they reflect a player who can handle the bat just enough to be a threat, especially when paired with his ability to work with a pitching staff.

This move gives the Giants a bit more flexibility behind the dish. Patrick Bailey remains the clear No. 1 option-he’s a standout defender with a strong arm and advanced game-calling skills. But his offense has been streaky, and San Francisco has been looking for a steady hand to complement him.

Enter Haase. He’s not coming in to take the starting job, but he’s got a real shot to earn the backup role out of camp. At the very least, he provides experienced depth-someone who can be stashed in Triple-A and called upon when needed without missing a beat.

For a team with postseason aspirations, depth at catcher matters. Injuries happen, slumps happen, and having a veteran like Haase in the mix helps the Giants weather those inevitable bumps in the road. He knows the grind, he’s worked with a wide range of pitching staffs, and he’s shown he can contribute when called upon.

It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a smart, strategic addition. And in a 162-game season, these are the kinds of moves that can quietly make a difference.