Washington Nationals: Jonathan Lucroy could find another opportunity

Jonathan Lucroy appeared to be a desperation signing. The Washington Nationals had been hammered by COVID, with a large portion of their roster being sidelined. As the team was in need of a catcher, and Lucroy was available, he was quickly scooped up to provide an option behind the plate.

It was not a surprise that, as the Nationals became healthy once again, he was designated for assignment. The surprise is that it may not be the end of the line for Lucroy.

Washington Nationals stint could lead to more for Jonathan Lucroy

Five games and 14 plate appearances are an extremely small sample size. However, that does not change the fact that Lucroy was productive in that time. He had five hits, including a double, driving in two runs and striking out just twice.

The Nationals would potentially be interested in keeping Lucroy around. Their catching situation is not exactly the best in the game, and even at this point, he could be an upgrade with the bat. His respectable showing may well lead to a spot at the alternate site if another team does not claim him.

However, teams are seemingly always on the lookout for catching depth. Although he was unable to catch on with another team before the Nationals’ COVID roster emergency, Lucroy showed that he might have something left. Likewise, he showed that maybe there was something to his respectable .333/.478/.389 batting line in 23 spring training plate appearances.

Lucroy is no longer the catcher he once was, where over a five year span, he was one of the best catchers in the game. The wear and tear has caught up on his body and the end of the line is in sight. But there is still something there, making Lucroy a viable option for a team looking to upgrade their backup catcher spot.

No one expected anything when the Washington Nationals signed Jonathan Lucroy. However, that stint in Washington may lead to another opportunity.