The Angels have signed catcher Chris Okey to a minor league contract, as noted by Chris Hilburn-Trenkle of Baseball America. According to the transactions tracker at MLB.com, he’s been assigned to the club’s Arizona complex. It stands to reason he’ll report to an upper minors affiliate in the coming weeks.
Okey, 28, had previously spent his entire career with the Reds. Cincinnati selected him in the second round back in 2016, signing him for $2MM out of Clemson. He played six seasons in their system, appearing in exactly 400 minor league games. The right-handed hitter put up a .208/.282/.329 line in a little more than 1400 plate appearances. He’s fared a little better against Triple-A pitching specifically, posting a .219/.292/.347 mark over parts of three seasons at the top minor league level.
The Reds gave Okey his first brief crack at the major league level last summer. They selected him onto the MLB roster in early June. He got into seven games as a depth catcher before being designated for assignment the following month. Okey went unclaimed on waivers, spent the remainder of the year in their system, and hit minor league free agency at the end of the season.
Now that he’s in the second organization of his career, Okey will try to work his way back to the highest level. The Halos have top prospect Logan O’Hoppe, Matt Thaiss and the currently injured Max Stassi on the 40-man roster. Chad Wallach is also in the organization as a non-roster veteran at Triple-A Salt Lake. Okey figures to slot in behind that group on the organizational depth chart and adds some insurance in the event of further injuries at the position.
They both said “Okey”
l am so O’Hoppe with Logan
It’s just an agreement. It won’t be official until it’s “Okey Dokey”.
Until his hitting production is ewwkie Doogie in about a week.
Former 2nd round pick who won’t block anyone in AAA. Sure.
He won’t bc he can’t hit
Not really sure of the point of this minor signing. Not as if the team has a depth problem at catcher? Not something this guy could help with, anyway.
Wallach can’t catch every game in AAA.
Okey is filling out the AAA roster. Nothing more.
Dude signed for 2 mil and from 22-28 he made like 30k a year or less playin minor league ball. Interesting career path of a career minor leaguer. Livin the dream I guess
One of those guys who went from hot prospect to suspect. No aluminum bats and better breaking stuff exposed him.
This guy sucks.
Is this organizational depth because Stassi may not return as quickly as expected?
Can he make contact? If so that’s an upgrade over Thaiss
Thaiss has taken a vacation from hitting so maybe there will be a swap, Okey for Thaiss, while Stassi is out.
Okey Dokey
Looks like the Angels are going down tonight. Sorry.
Trade coming.