There has been plenty of focus on what the Oakland A’s have gotten rid of over the past week. That is to be expected with the fire sale in full swing especially given the players that have been traded away. But at some point in time, the A’s will need to bring players in to fill out the roster and have as close to a viable major league team as possible.
The A’s brought in one such player on Tuesday. After those unpopular trades, the front office threw the fanbase a bone, bringing fan favorite Stephen Vogt back on a one year deal.
Oakland A’s finally spend money, sign Stephen Vogt
Vogt is the first player that the A’s have signed to a major league deal in free agency this offseason, making them the last team to have actually spent money this offseason. Of course, ‘spending money’ is operative – while terms of the deal were not disclosed, it is difficult to imagine that Vogt is going to cost much more than some various loose bills found under couch cushions.
There was a time when Vogt was a solid player. After failing to get a hit in his first 27 plate appearances with the Rays in 2012, he was sent to the A’s for cash considerations. He eventually became a two time All Star, a solid catcher before injuries struck.
These days, Vogt is not a sure thing any longer. He is 37 years old and coming off of two mediocre seasons. Hip and shoulder issues ruined his productivity, making it a bit of a surprise that Vogt was able to land a major league deal.
However, this signing may be out of necessity. Austin Allen was the only other catcher on the 40 man roster and he has not shown much in his time in the majors. It is also possible that Sean Murphy is traded, which would open spots for both Vogt and Allen.
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The Oakland A’s have finally made their first major league signing of the offseason. Stephen Vogt is coming back on a one year deal.