San Francisco Giants 2018 Free Agency Preview: Five Catchers to Target

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JULY 15: Blake Treinen #39 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates with Jonathan Lucroy #21 after the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on July 15, 2018 in San Francisco, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-2. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Lucroy

Lucroy has been even slightly better since 2014, with a WAR of 11.4 over the last five seasons.

The longtime Milwaukee Brewer signed with the rival Oakland A’s in the offseason last year and helped lead the unlikely group to the postseason.

Lucroy caught 125 games for the A’s, but his numbers might suggest that he didn’t help the team on the field as much as his leadership off it did.

Lucroy, who has a career WAR of 19.1, actually had a negative -0.7 WAR in 2018. Despite that, he was clearly one of the main voices in the locker room and helped the A’s pitching staff throughout their improbable season.

He finished fourth in the MVP voting in 2014 with a 6.6 WAR, and has not posted a similar season since.

In 2018, Lucroy only hit four home runs, so there would not be much of a jump in power if the Giants signed him to a deal.

A one year, incentive-laden deal would make sense for the nine-year veteran if they want to move Posey to first.

One advantage to bringing in Lucroy is he may not have to be an everyday catcher.

Grandal and Lucroy have both spent the majority of their careers as starters, but in the case of Lucroy, at 33 years old heading into next season, he may be willing to take more of a platoon role.

With a .617 OPS last season, that move may be needed and also could be a reason the Giants don’t pursue Lucroy if they do in fact move Posey.