The Braves have designated catcher Stephen Vogt for assignment, per Atlanta’s transaction log at MLB.com. The move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Terrance Gore, allowing the speedy outfielder to join the Braves’ NLDS team off the bench.
Atlanta acquired the former All-Star catcher from the Diamondbacks in the middle of the season to shore up their catching depth. While the veteran wasn’t able to match his modest 87 OPS+ production from Arizona, posting only a slash line of .167/.241/.244 (good for a 28 OPS+) with the Braves, his impact was felt elsewhere on the roster. After all, the Braves traded from their catching trove when they shipped young catcher Alex Jackson to the Marlins for Adam Duvall, a move that may have been harder to make without a veteran like Vogt on the roster. Duvall in turn slugged 16 home runs down the stretch for Atlanta en route to their division title.
Now, the 36-year-old Vogt is all but certain to clear waivers and enter free agency. While his offense has waned the past two seasons, netting a 59 OPS+, Vogt’s defense still checks in at about average. With teams always on the lookout for veteran catching depth, it’s possible Vogt will latch on somewhere this offseason via a minor league deal.
Gore meanwhile is selected from Triple-A to take on a role in which he is all too familiar. Despite never eclipsing 58 plate appearances in a single Major League season, Gore has often been picked up by contenders looking to add some speed and defensive prowess to their pool of outfielders. While Gore did post a solid .361 OBP in Triple-A this year, continuing a trend of strong walk rates and next to no power, it’s unlikely he will see much opportunity for the Braves beyond as a pinch runner and late-game defensive sub.
Monkey’s Uncle
Find yourself a mate who sticks around and won’t leave like Terrance Gore. The man has made quite a career for himself.
vincent k. mcmahon
I had no idea Vogt was even on the braves.
iverbure
That’s because you’re too busy ruining wrestling the last 15 years.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
That’s not true. He’s been doing it way longer than 15 years. Just ask the family of Chris Benoit’s widow how they felt after Benoit’s “Celebration of Life” ceremony that was nationally televised. Not to mention exactly zero WWE wrestlers showed up to any of their funerals. You guys like that show “Dark Side of the Ring?” It’s one of my favorite shows.
iverbure
Chris Benoit murdered his family in 2007 and yes I enjoyed any wrestling documentary as long as it has nothing to do with the current product. Although I do listen to Jim cornettes podcast occasionally and he makes fun of current wrestling.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
I like that over the top Asian guy who always brings the electric guitarist with him. The best part is when the guitarist gets a few sucker punches I’m even though he’s not supposed to fight. And by like I mean dislike but still find somewhat funny. I loved the “Plane Ride From Hell” episode of Dark Side as well.
semut
“Chris Benoit murdered his family in 2007”. I think that was his point, just worded kinda weird. After he murdered his family WWE broadcasted a “celebration of life” for him. His widows family was understandably upset that they were celebrating that monster
semut
There is absolutely zero-anything redeemable about the WWE vs the WWF. Not even some guy with a guitar that is trying waaaaaaaaaaaaay too hard to be “over the top”
Bill Kane
This dude was on mlb radio this morning talking about how great it was being on the braves. A few hours later he was an ex brave. Kind of funby.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
funby?
Dogbone
Is it too late for the white Sox to pick him up, for their Sunday night game, lol. Grandal and the PB/WP’s have given the Astros a run in each of the first two games of this series.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
Wow. That’s funny. Wasn’t his defense one of the big great reasons they signed him? He only hit about .180 for most of the year. I know batting average is overrated but .180 is really bad even for a catcher considering Grandal is one of the highest paid catchers in the league. I think only Posey, Realmuto and Salvy make more. None of those guys would be caught dead hitting .180. The defense really has to be there if he’s gonna put offensive numbers up like that with a $75 million contract.
bucsfan0004
I’m sure both the players you mentioned would love to have a OBP over .400 and an OPS over .900. Get a clue
bucsfan0004
You listed 3 catchers, my bad. Grandal’s 157 ops+ is superior to all 3. Surprising, isnt it?
mlbnyyfan
Does anyone have a team interested in Sanchez. Please take him. I know someone will grab him if he’s DFA but please at least send the Yankees a bucket of balls for him. All I want for Christmas is Gary Sanchez off my team.
semut
Grandal’s value is in pitch framing, as well as having power from both sides of the plate. When was the last time you’ve seen a CATCHER homer from both sides of the plate in the same game??
May not hit for average but remains a capable threat on offense AND defense
TradeAcuna
Good for him. He won’t be part of the team that will embarrass themselves again this postseason.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
The only thing embarrassing here, is your Don’tComeBacktoATLFreeman, comment. The Braves could use a case of herpes more than they can use your loyalty.
TradeAcuna
Ironically, loyalty is precisely the problem with the team. I won’t blame Snit on this loss since the Braves overrated lineup seeks homers every inning, but he still needs to go. The Braves are glued to him like they were with Cox.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
The only thing overrated here is your opinion of yourself. The best infield in BB offensively & defensively. One of the best infields in BB history. Watch it & wonder.
TradeAcuna
So what happens when they get shut down again tomorrow? I don’t think it will happen. The braves are the better team, but what excuse will we hear? Brewers have good pitching? Baseball is a crapshoot? Some other tired excuse?
The Braves played better than the Brewers today and lost. Why? Because they are the Braves. They are just incapable of winning when it matters. No matter what excuse you want to give or what stat you want to rave about, it won’t matter until we see it when it matters.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
You are the worst Braves fan ever. I’m done with your stupidity, & lack of loyalty. Go root for some other team.
TradeAcuna
Well, you just proved you have no argument. See ya!
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
My argument is that you suck as a Braves fan. The Pirates need fans, why don’t you go and drag them down?
TradeAcuna
so true fandom requires you to lie to yourself and reassure yourself everything is ok? I understand I’m very vocal, but there are enough casuals here with the rainbows and unicorns mentality.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
Rainbows & unicorns? Mariah Carey wants you as a fan
TradeAcuna
Nah, I hate her music. Not into Rap, Hip-hop, Pop music, or whatever genre she fits in.
Appalachian_Outlaw
Yes, fandom does. Look it up in the dictionary. It’s the state of being an enthusiastic fan of something. You don’t have to love everything they do but you should like something. I’ve never seen you make one positive Braves comment. Not saying you haven’t but I’ve never seen it.
Furthermore they played well tonight, but so did the Brewers. It happens. It’s not the end of the world.
lonewolf
Stephen Vogt is the perfect backup catcher to Travis d’Arnaue. Left handed bat can 1-2 days playing. He would probably not been DFA if healthy. He would be a FA at seasons end before the DFA
48-team MLB
Just give me ONE championship this century. I know it’s not easy but you have to give your fans the ultimate payoff at some point. The same can be said for Oakland and Minnesota…even though the 18-game postseason losing streak is clearly karma for pushing Ron Gant off of first base.
Ghost Pepper
As long as the Diamondbacks don’t take him back.
I know we were terrible with or without him this year. He didn’t have to kick us as he was out the door. Be careful what you wish for.
Good luck in Japan or Korea dude.
48-team MLB
I will accept a Diamondbacks title as long as it comes with a Braves title included.