(670 The Score) With James McCann having left the in free agency for a starting job with the Mets, the White Sox's backup catcher position is up for grabs entering spring training.
One of those who will be competing for the spot is 34-year-old Jonathan Lucroy, an 11-year MLB veteran who recently agreed to a minor league deal with the White Sox and will head to spring training as a non-roster invitee with a chance to win a job.
"My agent called me and said the Sox had expressed some interest," Lucroy said. "I called (new White Sox major league instructor/catching coach) Jerry Narron, who I first met in 2011. He told me that (manager) Tony La Russa likes veteran guys and they had thrown my name around. I put a call into Tony and told him I would love to play for you. I played a lot against his Cardinals team, and he was tough. I just told Tony I would love to play for him if he had a spot. We talked several times after that, and I kept expressing my interest."
Lucroy will primarily be competing with 26-year-old Zack Collins for the backup job behind Yasmani Grandal.
"I am going into camp expecting to make the team," Lucroy said. "At the same time, other catchers are going in with the same mindset. They better do that and as a teammate, I will help other guys out when they ask me something."
Lucroy spent time with the Red Sox and Phillies in 2020 but didn't log a plate appearance. Lucroy split 2019 between the Angels and Cubs, hitting a combined .232 with a .660 OPS in 101 games that season. Lucroy was an All-Star in 2014 and 2016 who has hit .274 with a .751 OPS for his career.
Now, Lucroy's focus is on contributing to a team that carries championship aspirations.
"This is a good opportunity to win," Lucroy said. "I am now a 34-year-old catcher. I have been to the playoffs four times now and the furthest we got (with the Brewers) was to the NLCS against the Cardinals in 2011. I just want another chance to win. I just won't make a team that has a chance to win and put a ring on my finger. The White Sox have a lot of outstanding players and especially some talented young pitchers to go with the veterans. My job is to get the pitchers locked in and get them right."
Lucroy believes playing for La Russa will be a gratifying experience.
"I have played for a lot of good managers who wanted to win," Lucroy said. "Tony just has this edge about him. He has always had that edge. He is extremely competitive. He hates losing and demands the best out of his players. I am friends with several of his ex-players, and I work out with Matt Carpenter and my friend Kyle Lohse pitched for him. They all said get ready for playing for Tony. He will do whatever it takes to win. For you as a player knowing how competitive he is, is all you can ask for."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
