In a move that’s sure to spark debate among baseball fans, the Athletics have inked a minor league deal with veteran catcher Chad Wallach. But here’s where it gets interesting: while Wallach’s role might seem minor on paper, his experience could prove invaluable in a season where depth is everything. According to the MiLB.com transaction log, the 34-year-old is expected to receive a non-roster invite to Spring Training and will likely start the season at Triple-A Las Vegas.
Wallach, a familiar face in the Angels’ organization over the past four years, has primarily served as the third or fourth catcher on the depth chart. His most recent MLB action came last September when the Angels, grappling with injuries to Travis d’Arnaud and Logan O’Hoppe, called him up. He caught two innings in a loss to Seattle before being outrighted from the roster upon O’Hoppe’s return.
And this is the part most people miss: despite his limited MLB appearances since 2023, Wallach brings a wealth of experience from eight big league seasons. His most notable stretch came three years ago when he played in 65 games for the Angels, tallying 172 plate appearances. While his career batting line of .198/.263/.328 might not jump off the page, his Triple-A performance last year—a solid .248/.319/.430 split between the Angels and Rangers systems—shows he still has something to offer.
But here’s the controversial part: is Wallach’s addition a smart depth move or a sign of the Athletics’ lack of faith in their current catching corps? Shea Langeliers is set to be the primary catcher, with Austin Wynns as his backup—the only two catchers on the 40-man roster. Wallach, alongside Brian Serven and Bryan Lavastida, joins as an experienced non-roster option, providing organizational depth. Yet, some might argue that relying on a 34-year-old with limited recent MLB action isn’t the most forward-thinking strategy.
What do you think? Is Wallach’s signing a savvy move to bolster depth, or should the Athletics be looking elsewhere for catching support? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
