Maxwell still seen as starter at catcher

ORLANDO — Until further notice, the A’s still view Bruce Maxwell as their No. 1 catcher in 2018.

Maxwell pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Phoenix to assault charges after he allegedly waved a gun at a food-delivery person last month. Major League Baseball will investigate the matter, and Maxwell could be subject to discipline by MLB or the A’s.

“I don’t want to talk about the off-field stuff right now. We’ll let the criminal proceedings play out,” general manager David Forst said at the GM meetings in Orlando. “But from a baseball standpoint, I expect Bruce to be our catcher next year.”

Maxwell hit .237 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 76 games as a rookie and late in the season became the first big-leaguer to take a knee during the national anthem.

Forst called Maxwell, a second-round pick in the 2012 draft, a good receiver and thrower who works well with pitchers and has displayed a potent bat at different stages in his pro career.

“The interesting thing about Bruce is at various times, he has shown he can do everything,” said Forst, adding that Maxwell has a good relationship with pitching coach Scott Emerson, “which can go a long way.”

The A’s have most of their lineup set but want to add a right-handed-hitting outfielder, and it was learned they have interest in Avisail Garcia of the White Sox, or at least that type of player.

Garcia, 26, is coming off a breakout season and was a first-time All-Star, hitting .330 with 18 homers and 80 RBIs in 136 games. Chicago GM Rick Hahn said he’s open to trading Garcia and first baseman Jose Abreu, both of whom are under club control through 2019.

The A’s anticipate left fielder Khris Davis moving more into a designated-hitter role. Matt Joyce is the main right fielder, and a collection of others can play center, including Chad Pinder, Boog Powell, Dustin Fowler and Mark Canha.

Fowler, one of three prospects acquired from the Yankees in the Sonny Gray trade, is progressing from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, and he is in Arizona this week working out. Canha is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing wrist surgery this month.