The Athletics have selected the contract of catcher Jonah Heim, per a club announcement. He’d have qualified for minor-league free agency had he not been moved onto the 40-man roster.
Heim, 24, is a former fourth-round pick who took some time getting acclimated to the professional ranks as a hitter. He hasn’t yet debuted in the majors but is obviously seen as a near-term option in Oakland.
Last season represented a breakthrough for Heim, who was acquired from the Rays in the 2017-18 offseason. He posted a .282/.370/.431 batting line in 208 Double-A plate appearances, walking 24 times against just 27 strikeouts. Then, he boosted his power (as did so many others) in a 119 PA run at Triple-A, where he slashed .358/.412/.557.
The A’s are expected to rely heavily upon newcomer Sean Murphy in 2019. Josh Phegley (or a replacement) will likely open as the reserve. But Heim will also be an option if and when a need arises.
A defense first catcher that can hit. I like it. The A’s also reinstated Luis Barrera and Daniel Gossett. Surprised there was nothing about Daulton Jefferies but it’s only a matter of time before they add him to the 40 man roster as well.
You cant really say “defense first catcher that can hit” because if you actually can do well on both sides of the field….well, thats just a good player, period.
A’s FO should be thrown in the Bay if they leave Jefferies unprotected, the guy is MLB-ready now and always had a high ceiling. He was FILTHY last year. They should put him in the pen on Opening Day.
I remember the O’s traded him to the Rays for a Steve Pearce rental. Ray’s acquiring players always scare me.
GOT HEEEEIIIIIIM
If Heim’s bat is for real he should learn 2B (or just any other position) to maximize ABs for him, with Murphy a lock for most of the playing time at C, injury permitting.
You can never have enough catchers. Pheagly had a good first half but disappeared the second half.
Correction: Phegley was replacement level all year with a surging BABIP in the first half. Heim is an all-round better C than Phegley even with no MLB time, my point is his bat also might be really good too, and he should play C when Murphy is resting, but also play other places, as the bat is good.
@ arc8g – true, but as a young unproven catcher at the major league level, if he can hit it will only help him stay on the roster if he can show some versatility and even adequate ability to handle other spots on the field.
Local boy,he went to my sister’s elementary school. Met his aunt in a bookstore and have been rooting for him ever since
Darn, I was curious to see if he would’ve gotten scooped up in the Rule5 if not added to Oak’s 40man.
The world will never know…
Maybe Richie Martin, maybe Roberto Clemente? lol
Talked with Jonah a bit here in Vegas; super nice guy. Rooting for him big time