The Atlanta Braves have had a revolving door at catcher since Travis d’Arnaud was injured earlier in the year. Five different players have suited up behind the plate in the wake of d’Arnaud tearing a ligament in his hand in the beginning of May, as the Braves have tried to find some level of production at the position.
That quest continued early Saturday. The Braves brought in yet another catcher, acquiring Stephen Vogt from the Diamondbacks for minor league first baseman Mason Berne.
#Braves Acquire C Stephen Vogt: pic.twitter.com/IUNe2m6GD0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 17, 2021
Atlanta Braves continue to stockpile catchers
Vogt is the second catcher that the Braves have added to the roster in the past two weeks. Jonathan Lucroy was promoted to the majors earlier this month as Atlanta sought some semblance of offense at the position. Lucroy, however, was designated for assignment as Vogt took his place on the 40 man roster.
It is fair to wonder how much Vogt will help going forward. He had posted a .212/.307/.386 batting line in his 152 plate appearances, hitting five homers and six doubles. Defensively, he has thrown out 33% of would be basestealers while saving three runs behind the plate. If nothing else, he should be an upgrade behind the plate with the glove.
Vogt is also not tied to being a catcher. He can play at first to give Freddie Freeman a day off, and can slot into the outfield if need be. That versatility would theoretically allow the Braves to carry three catchers if they felt a need, especially as they look for someone to give the lineup a boost.
Adding Vogt did not cost the Braves much. Berne was a 33rd round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft and has yet to appear above the Rookie Leagues. He has just 251 plate appearances over his 75 minor league games in three seasons, producing a .231/.315/.344 batting line with five homers and ten doubles. At 25 years old already, he would not seem to have that much of a future.
The Atlanta Braves have added yet another catcher to their revolving door behind the plate. This time, it is Stephen Vogt’s turn.