White Sox remind us Jonathan Lucroy is still active

One could be forgiven for thinking that Jonathan Lucroy had retired years ago. He had been one of the best all around catchers in the game for years before suddenly falling off the map after the 2017 season. He bounced around from that point, spending the last four years with seven different organizations as he attempted to reclaim his lost glory.

Lucroy found another new home on Thursday. He signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox, presumably with an invitation to spring training.

Jonathan Lucroy hoping to latch on with White Sox

He actually received some major league action in 2020, appearing in one game with the Red Sox. However, he never received a plate appearance, logging just two innings behind the plate. Lucroy spent most of the year at the Red Sox alternative site, and after being released, was signed as a depth piece by the Phillies.

It is a far cry from what Lucroy used to be. From his debut in 2010 through the end of 2016, he was one of the premier catchers in the game. He posted a combined .284/.343/.411 batting line in his 3305 plate appearances with 164 doubles and 95 homers, finishing fourth in the 2014 NL MVP vote.

However, his heavy usage began to catch up with him. Lucroy was not the catcher he had once been, struggling to find any offense at all. Now he is just trying to hold on, hoping to stay with the White Sox in a backup role.

It is possible that he can crack the major league roster. While Yasmani Grandal is locked into place, the backup position is wide open. At this point, Lucroy would need to battle former prospect Zack Collins for the role, with Seby Zavala and Yermin Mercedes as the only other options on the 40 man roster.

Jonathan Lucroy is on the move once more. This time, he will try to rediscover his magic with the Chicago White Sox.