Chicago White Sox 2021 Season Preview: Jonathan Lucroy
It was clear that the Chicago White Sox were going to have a void to fill after the 2020 season if they did end up losing James McCann. Well, McCann did end up signing a big contract with the New York Mets. He deserved every penny that he earned because he is one of the best catchers in the world. Yasmani Grandal is going to be the full-time starter and that is the proper decision. However, Jonathan Lucroy looks like he might have a shot at the backup job.
Jonathan Lucroy is looking like a solid addition for the Chicago White Sox.
It was assumed that Zack Collins is going to be the backup during the offseason. Then the White Sox added Jonathan Lucroy to the mix and he is making a case for himself. We don’t know what is going to happen between the two but Lucroy has been awesome in spring training.
Lucroy seems to have some instant chemistry with Dallas Keuchel. The two have worked well together as a pitcher and catcher duo. Keuchel has called Lucroy “the best receiver he has ever had”. It is something worth monitoring as they start to fill out the roster for Opening Day. Having Dallas Keuchel pitch well is something that the team needs really badly so keeping Lucroy on board for that reason is enough of a reason on its own.
He only appeared in one game during the shortened 60-game 2020 season so he is going to be fresh and motivated during this season. He has had a good career but he feels that he has some good baseball left in the tank. If he can have a good year for the White Sox in 2021, they are going to be very fortunate to have another really good option behind the plate.
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2021 Expectations:
Don’t expect Lucroy to become James McCann. He is much older so his career is winding down a little bit more. He can, however, provide one solid season for the White Sox as they need him. If he doesn’t have a good year, they can fall back on Collins but all three catchers will have a big impact this season. The most important thing for them is making sure that the pitchers are comfortable. If he adds some offense, that will just be an added bonus.