Brewers Add Austin Nola to Catching Depth

[Ryan Pollak]

The Brewers added 34-year-old catcher Austin Nola early Friday afternoon on a minor league deal. Will we see the veteran play in MLB this season?

Image courtesy of © Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like the Brewers aren’t done looking for a replacement for Victor Caratini. The Brewers signed catcher Austin Nola to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, per Adam McCalvy, Friday afternoon. 

Nola, entering his age 34 season, was last seen on the San Diego Padres roster trying to recover from getting hit in the face during Spring Training. After noticing some struggles at the plate, Nola was optioned to AAA and continued not to see the ball well. It was then determined the catcher was suffering from an oculomotor dysfunction, meaning issues with eye movement.

What made Nola a prime candidate for the Brewers is his hitting ability against lefties. He has hit nine of his 23 career home runs vs. southpaws with a .267/.331/.408 slash line and a 112 tOPS+.

It’s a risk to bring him in, but if he hits anywhere close to his career numbers (.249/.326/.370), then it would be a nice backup for William Contreras and a decent replacement for Eric Haase should he get injured or struggle at some point during the season.

Adding Nola brings more depth to their catcher room. Perhaps now the Brewers can be a little more patient with top-catching prospect Jeferson Quero, as he hasn’t had any experience in AAA.

Given Nola was signed to a minor league deal, he would have to be added to the 40-man roster before playing with the Brewers. With Contreras, Haase, and Quero all on the 40-man already, Nola will likely start in AAA-Nashville to open the season but will have potential getting called up should he start coming to his 2021 form.

What do you think of the Nola signing? Let us know in the comments.

 

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