A’s Sign Former Angels Catcher Chad Wallach for 2024 Season

The Oakland Athletics have signed former Los Angeles Angels catcher Chad Wallach as they prepare for the 2024 season. Wallach will join the A’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, providing additional depth to their catching roster alongside Brian Serven and Bryan Lavastida.

Wallach’s addition is part of the A’s strategy to bolster their lineup behind the plate. Earlier in the offseason, the club opted for Austin Wynns as the primary catcher, choosing him over the less experienced Willie MacIver, who was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers. The A’s have also brought in Brian Serven and re-signed Bryan Lavastida, who previously contributed significantly in the Triple-A championship game.

Wallach, who has played 156 games in the major leagues, brings the most big-league experience among the trio. His previous season with the Angels saw him participate in 65 games, where he recorded a batting average of .197 and a .259 on-base percentage. Despite not getting a plate appearance in September, Wallach’s overall performance in 2023 marked a notable increase in playing time compared to previous years.

Performance Metrics and Potential Impact

Wallach’s statistics reveal a player who, while not finishing as a league-average bat, offers valuable experience. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 70 during the last season is below league average but represents an improvement over his career mark of 63. Defensively, Wallach faced challenges, ranking in the lower percentiles for blocking (10th percentile), framing (48th percentile), and pop time (23rd percentile).

Despite these hurdles, Wallach showcased impressive bat speed, clocked at 73.2 mph, which is above the league average. This characteristic could be a factor in the A’s decision to bring him on board, as teams increasingly prioritize bat speed in their lineups.

As the season approaches, Wynns is expected to start as the backup catcher, but the A’s may consider adjustments depending on performance. The presence of Wallach, Serven, and Lavastida creates competition for the catching role, and it is likely that at least one of them will see significant playing time during the season.

With the offseason moves, the A’s appear committed to enhancing their roster depth, particularly in the catching department. Wallach’s experience and unique skill set could play a critical role in shaping the team’s success in the upcoming season.