With an upsetting 2017 season for the Oakland Athletics and for one of the best catchers in the game in Jonathan Lucroy. Both parties have decided to reach an agreement to catch lightning in a bottle. Lucroy signed a 1-year deal worth $6.5 million. Last season Lucroy was a disappointment as were the Texas Rangers who struggled to perform at there usual success rate from past years, which lead to Jonathan being dealt to the Rockies near the end of the season. Lucroy excelled with the limited amount of games he played with Colorado being a key part to help reach the Rockies 1st Wild Card game since 2009. Lucroy batted 310 with 3 triples, 2 home runs having a 429 OBP in 46 games. In the full season he batted 265 with only 6 home runs, but striking out 51 times in 423 at-bats while walking 46 times having a 345 OBP in 123 games. Lucroy will be turning 32 this upcoming season entering in the remaining few years of his prime left. He is still one of the most athletic, durable, and consistent catchers in the game. The swingin A's catchers hitting performance in 2017 were ranked in the bottom 25 MLB Ranks in average, home runs, rbi's, and OPS. With 2017 being Jonathan Lucroy's most "disappointing" season. His numbers were still better than Bruce Maxwell and Josh Phegley's numbers who would peak at what Jonathan struggled to accept being his performance. It's only been 2 years since Lucroy hit 292 with 24 home runs and 82 rbi's being an All-Star with the Brewers. What Lucroy also brings to the table is his value behind the plate. Jonathan will be a veteran catcher to Oakland's young staff containg Daniel Mengden (25), Sean Manaea (26), Jharel Cotton (26), and A.J. Puk (22) who's the Athletics #1 prospect in there organization. Jonathan excels at pitch framing, communicating with his pitchers, durability, pop time, arm strength, and athleticism that will help guide these young starters take on there next strides. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lucroy end up being Oaklands cleanup hitter that will provide high value at the deadline and the opportunity to help improve the Athletics starting rotation. I can project Lucroy to have a bounce back year playing 120-145 games batting 270-295 with 12-22 home runs, 75-90 rbi's with of OBP around 330-365. Get excited Oakland because you might just caught this years lightning in a bottle.
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