Where did Buster Posey, Stephen Vogt rank among MLB catchers in 2019?
Stephen Vogt
PA: 280—33rd
BA: .263—14th
OBP: .314—33rd
SLG: .490—7th
OPS: .804—11th
OPS+: 111—9th
H: 67—t-29th
2B: 24—t-5th
HR: 10—t-32nd
RBI: 40—t-25th
R: 30—t-30th
WAR: 1.2—t-21st
The San Francisco Giants paid Stephen Vogt just $453,568 over the course of the 2019 season, and that wound up being one of the best bargains on the roster.
The 34-year-old was an AL All-Star in 2015 and 2016 while playing with the Oakland Athletics, but his MLB future was in jeopardy after he underwent shoulder surgery that cost him the entire 2018 season.
The Giants added him along with the likes of Erik Kratz, Rene Rivera and Cameron Rupp during the offseason in an effort to replace departed backup Nick Hundley.
He posted an .889 OPS with four home runs in 72 plate appearances over 17 games at Triple-A before making his Giants debut on May 3 with a 3-for-3 performance that included a double and a home run in a dramatic extra-inning victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Defensively, he threw out just 17 percent of base-stealers, but his veteran presence and game-calling ability helped the young pitching staff when Posey was on the bench.
The fact that he finished with the same number of doubles and one more home run than Posey in 165 fewer plate appearances speaks volumes to the value he provided offensively.
Next. Which Giants players are free agents this offseason?
Buster Posey will be back behind the plate to start the 2020 season, if only temporarily before shifting over to first base to accommodate rising top prospect Joey Bart. Will the front office bring Stephen Vogt back on a one-year deal to provide some additional stability? We shall see.