Milwaukee Brewers claim Stephen Vogt, improve backstop situation
By Kyle Cardoza
The Oakland Athletics waived Stephen Vogt, a two-time All-Star catcher, earlier this week. The Brewers quickly scooped up the veteran backstop Sunday, which is an immediate upgrade behind the plate.
The division-leading Milwaukee Brewers needed an upgrade behind the plate. They got one in Stephen Vogt, and it didn’t cost them any prospects.
Milwaukee claimed the catcher Sunday morning, just days after he was designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics, per ESPN baseball reporter Jerry Crasnick. He still has two years on his contract under team control and is making a shade less than $3 million this season.
Stephen Vogt was DFA’d by Oakland three days ago. Is 32 and has slumped this year but two more years of control. Bandy has option remaining.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) June 25, 2017
Vogt, despite piecing together consecutive All-Star seasons in 2015 and 2016, struggled at the dish in Oakland, hitting a paltry .217 with just four home runs. He was the Athletics’ primary catcher in those years, following the departure of Derek Norris.
Catchers Jeff Bandy and Manny Pina have split time behind the plate for the Brewers, arguably over-performing this season – the same could be said for the entire club at this point.
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Pina has been much better thus far, boasting a .286 average with four bombs and 20 RBIs. Bandy was hot early in the year, but has sputtered since then, hitting just .211 overall. He’s gone just 2-for-38 in June with 17 strikeouts.
Despite a power outage this season, Vogt does provide help in that category. He hit 32 homers combined in the previous two seasons, compiling 127 RBIs as well. Considering that most teams’ catchers have been terrible this season, the lefty hitter offers some promise and experience. He was also known for his presence in the clubhouse for his California club.
The Brewers have been one of the big surprises in 2017, going 40-37 so far despite owning just a +6 run-differential. They have heavily relied on the long ball this year, ranking sixth in homers, thanks to outfielder Eric Thames’ early-season stretch and a strong season from third baseman Travis Shaw.
Milwaukee’s starting rotation receives much criticism, but having a veteran backstop like Vogt could also improve the team on the bump. Obviously it will take a few weeks to gain some chemistry, but it could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Teams haven’t been shy to demote their seasoned veterans this year if they haven’t performed up to standards. Oakland is just following the trend, focusing on developing the organization’s young talent. The A’s recently promoted a few of their touted prospects, including Franklin Baretto.
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Vogt was an odd man out in Oakland as one of the few players on the roster that’s older than 30. Since he struggled this year, A’s executive vice president Billy Beane must have figured he wouldn’t receive much in exchange for the catcher.
The Milwaukee Brewers aren’t complaining, taking him without having to deal any of their players.