That’s a pretty strong indication that the Indians had every intention of playing Lucroy on a daily basis (maybe not at catcher), otherwise they wouldn’t have been giving up so much talent for him.
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They addressed one of those late Saturday night by trading four highly thought of prospects to the Brewers for two time All-Star catcher, Jonathan Lucroy. Lucroy’s no-trade clause only applies to eight teams, and the Rangers and Mets aren’t on the list, per ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.
The salary for Lucray’s services is $4 million this year with the option in 2017 at $5.25 million.
Without a guarantee of free agency in 2016, or a guarantee of being the everyday starting catcher in Cleveland next season, Lucroy was right to use his veto power in the proposed trade, which would’ve sent 4 prospects to Milwaukee in return.
According to Newsday’s Marc Carig, the New York Mets were hoping to be in the Lucroy sweepstakes as well, but ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported they’re are out of the running.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants on Monday acquired left-handed reliever Will Smith from the Brewers to bolster their bullpen for the stretch run, sending backup catcher Andrew Susac and pitching prospect Phil Bickford to Milwaukee. In 337 at-bats, Lucroy collected 101 hits, including 13 home runs, with 50 runs batted in, another 48 runs scored and five stolen bases.
The Mets are also still in the mix, as are the Rangers, who have reportedly sweetened the pot by including promising 22-year-old third baseman Joey Gallo in their offer to the Brewers.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said he wanted to make sure Lucroy got a plate appearance.
Texas has an AL-high 62 wins, and is coming off a four-game series sweep of the defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals. He is considered one of the most underpaid players now in the Major League Baseball. Fox Sports is reporting Milwaukee will also receive a player to be named later. Roberto Perez and Chris Gimenez aren’t hitting.
Cleveland has been looking for a catcher since Yan Gomes separated his shoulder.
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Trying to come up with a Rangers package that would be comparable would be hard, primarily because I think the Rangers interest in Lucroy is greater if the Brewers add in a relief arm and possibly a starter.
