Oakland A’s C Stephen Vogt
Although Stephen Vogt is not the most adept catcher in the field, his work in the batter’s box would finally help give Mets manager Terry Collins some offensive production out of his backstops.In over 920 innings behind the plate last season, Vogt threw out just 28 percent of would be base-stealers. But he did only commit five errors – showing he doesn’t make too many boneheaded plays there.
Cough, cough – Travis d’Arnaud.
But this man can absolutely hit out of the catcher position, posting a .256/.322/.424 line and 51 doubles, 32 homers, and 127 RBIs the last two seasons combined. Vogt made the All-Star game each of those years as well.
Where his problems arise, though, are his split numbers against lefties, as Vogt hit just .196 in 2016 in those matchups – compared to a .264 average against right-handed pitchers. His .239 average against southpaws in 2015 shows he has some ability to be at least average there, but it might be best to enter him into a platoon should he come to New York.
d’Arnaud – a righty – hit 14 doubles and 12 homers with 41 RBIs and a .268 average in 2015, but collapsed down to a .247 average and four homers last season.
But if placed in a split-time situation with a veteran like Vogt, the duo might be able to blossom into a productive team from behind the plate and in the lineup.
