Jonathan Lucroy (242 ADP) signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics. His 2018 value could range from being a top-5five catcher to being unplayable again. It’s tough to know for sure where his production will land.
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The 31-year-old catcher had a career season in 2016, with a career-high 24 home runs and a .292 AVG. Then 2017 happened. His home runs dropped to six and his batting average fell to .265. The batting average drop could have been worse if he hadn’t lowered his strikeout rate from 18% to 11%. He showed no power, producing a .106 ISO, the lowest since his rookie season.
The subpar numbers were produced in two of the most offensive-leaning home parks in Texas and Colorado. And now he’ll play in the Oakland Coliseum, one of the league’s worst venues for hitters.
For 2018, projections smartly guess his production somewhere between his 2016 and 2017 stats. I’m going to lean on the 2017 values. If he drops far enough in drafts, I’d still take a chance on a rebound. I’d probably pay for a .270 AVG with 10 home runs.
Bruce Maxwell’s value plummets as Lucroy replaces him as Oakland’s full-time catcher. Maxwell hit only three home runs with a .237 AVG in 253 plate appearances last season. He wasn’t projected for more this season, but at least he had a job.
Previous Hot Stove Analysis
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