Stephen Vogt calls chance to play with Giants ‘lifelong dream of mine'

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Stephen Vogt became a fan favorite in Oakland over his five seasons with the A's. But, his roots have always been in San Francisco as a Giants fan. 

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play for the Giants,” Vogt said to the San Francisco Chronicle. “It’s going to come true this year.”

Growing up in Visalia, Vogt and his family ventured to San Francisco every year to watch his two favorite players, Will Clark and Barry Bonds. On Monday, Vogt and the Giants agreed to a minor-league contract, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area.

The 34-year-old catcher arrived in Arizona on Monday night and is expected to take his physical Tuesday when Giants pitchers and catchers report to camp. 

“I’ve kind of had a Christmas-morning feel the whole time since we agreed," Vogt said. 

The Giants have been seeking depth at catcher behind Buster Posey, who underwent hip surgery in August. On the same day they agreed to a deal with Vogt, the team's former backup behind the dish, Nick Hundley, agreed to a deal with the A's.

“The chance to catch alongside Buster and learn from him and work together and help win games, I’m super excited for that,” Vogt said.

[RELATED: Giants show frustration with MLB's slow free agency as offseason ends]

Vogt missed the entire 2018 season as a member of the Brewers as he recovered from shoulder surgery. He told the San Francisco Chronicle that he's throwing nearly 90 percent from 150 feet and nearly 100 percent from 90 feet, though he needs to work more on throwing from the crouch. He's also played 73 games at first base in his career and 21 in the outfield. 

As A's fans chanted "I believe in Stephen Vogt," he became a two-time All-Star in Oakland. Vogt is a career .251 hitter and has 57 home runs to his name.

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