Oakland Athletics sign Jonathan Lucroy to 1-year deal
By Zach Houle
The Oakland Athletics are a team still in a youth movement, and they have now added veteran backstop Jonathan Lucroy.
The Oakland Athletics have some interesting young players that need more time to mature. Also, this club is known for low risk moves. Adding Jonathan Lucroy on a one-year deal fits the latter and helps with the former. Lucroy had a down year at the plate, so he is looking to regain value heading into next year’s loaded class. With that said, the A’s have added a veteran guy who can control the running game. The catcher is a player who always has good defense and works well with young pitchers.
A’s have a one-year deal for Lucroy, source says.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) March 9, 2018
This seems like a smart move for a small-market team that doesn’t have the funds for a superstar. A rebound season could be in order for Lucroy with a change of scenery. Last year, he hit .265 with only 6 home runs and 40 RBI in 481 PAs. The backstop was hitting in Coors Field quite a bit and still seemed to have trouble. Although, moving back over to the American League may get him some more ABs because of the DH position. At the very least, Oakland will have a reliable defensive catcher who has pop in his bat.
His Steamer projections for 2018 are a .269 BA with 11 home runs and 48 RBI. That’s a realistic stat line for Lucroy, but also could just be the baseline if his year starts off right. The A’s aren’t going to be stuck with him past this season if he declines in production. A brief short-term deal is just what Oakland needs, as they can flip him at the trade deadline or hold for an extension.
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At this point, the A’s were able to take advantage of the market and nab a potential All-Star. Lucroy will be a great veteran presence in the clubhouse and a potential offensive producer. He should help the younger pitchers further their development. Overall, Oakland is adding an asset on the field as well as off.