A’s acquire Geovany Soto for Cold Hard Cash Considerations

Who says three catchers are enough? Apparently, not Billy Beane. The man himself pulled off another deal this afternoon to add to the possible acquisition of Yunel Escobar, by adding catcher Geovany Soto from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations.

More from Oakland A's News

• Oakland A’s giving Drew Rucinski a chance to prove himself
• The pain of the Oakland A’s first round draft picks
• David MacKinnon joins Oakland A’s alumni overseas
• Oakland A’s select Walker Jenkins in first MLB mock draft
• Former Oakland A’s reliever Burch Smith signs in KBO

This brings the A’s catching rotation to a solid four-man lineup of Derek Norris, John Jaso, Geovany Soto and Stephen Vogt, although Vogt has seen considerably less time behind the plate since joining the A’s this year (he’s mostly played left field and first in a platoon with Brandon Moss).

Aug 12, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Geovany Soto (8) tags out at home Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter

(1) during a game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

With Derek Norris mostly running the 2-spot, it leaves Soto to platoon with Jaso in the DH. With a career BA of .283 against lefties, Soto is the perfect pairing with Jaso, who has batted a career .272 against right handers, according to Fangraphs.

Soto, an all-star and Rookie of the Year in 2008, never filled in to the player he was expected to be, but he can help the A’s as the push for the playoffs continues. Soto has caught over 5000 innings, compared to Jaso’s approximate 2400 and Soto also has a tremendous 26% CS%, compared to Jaso’s 17%.

Since Soto is just returning from a torn meniscus in his knee 10 games ago, seeing him behind the dish probably won’t happen too often, however, he could see some time when Jeff Samardzija is pitching. The two were teammates with the Chicago Cubs from 2008-12 and I’m sure they’re both appreciative to be reuniting in first place with the A’s.