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Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline is a mere five days away and as such, rumors have been picking up surrounding our Milwaukee Brewers. Earlier today JP updated us on the reported asking for closer Jeremy Jeffress, and this afternoon brings more news, this time regarding the catcher Jonathan Lucroy:
The #Brewers Jonathan Lucroy talks are intensifying. Offers getting more serious. Momentum building toward a trade by the deadline.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2016
#Rangers, #Indians, #Astros, #Mets, #Redsox have been mentioned in Lucroy mix. And believe it or not, there appears to be a "mystery team.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 27, 2016
The Brewers possess arguably the most valuable trade chip currently available on the market in Lucroy, who is hitting .301/.362/.486 with 13 home runs through 367 plate appearances this season. He’s also regarded as a top-notch defender behind the plate and has thrown out 40% of attempted base stealers this season, a career-best. He’s owed the remainder of a $4 mil salary this season and has a club option for $5.25 mil for next season.
The Mets, Indians, and Rangers have all been previously linked to the Lucroy but the Astros and Red Sox seem to be new entrants to the recent Lucroy sweepstakes. GM Slingin’ David Stearns is obviously quite familiar with Houston’s system having come over from their front office following the end of last season, and he’s acquired a host of former Astros (Villar, Carter, Elmore, Presley, Nottingham) during his time in Milwaukee.
There’s even a mystery team! The prospect-rich Dodgers have struggled with their production from behind the plate, maybe it’s them. That’s pure speculation of course.
Given the 29 year old Lucroy’s production along with his extremely favorable contract situation, plus the fact that there are reportedly some six teams in talks with the Brewers should mean that Milwaukee will have no trouble commanding multiple top prospects in return.
Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference
UPDATE:
Not sure that they have enough prospect power, but...
Sources: The #Tigers are one of the teams talking to the #Brewers about Jonathan Lucroy.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2016
Rosenthal further suggests that maybe the Tigers could start a package around James McCann, their 26 year old catcher who is a career .242/.278/.357 with 12 home runs through 649 plate appearances. He comes with an addition four seasons of control following 2016. Personally, I don’t find that very appealing.