Athletics Nation · May 28, 2019
Quick Look: Is Josh Phegley an All-Star?
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports The A’s entered the 2018-19 offseason with a gaping hole at catcher. Jonathan Lucroy, their primary backstop for the 2018 season, was a free agent. The team raved about how he handled the young pitching staff, but he struggled offensively, and ultimately the A’s would not meet his financial demands.
Instead, the A’s turned to the bargain bin. They scooped up Chris Herrmann for just $1 million and planned to platoon the left-handed hitter with incumbent back-up Josh Phegley. A few weeks later, the Los Angeles Angels scooped up Lucroy, but the A’s appeared comfortable with their catching situation.