Arguably the top prize in this year’s MLB trade season, Jonathan Lucroy has been traded to the Rangers in exchange for prospects Lewis Brinson, a 22-year-old outfield prospect now in AA, and Luis Ortiz, a 20-year-old pitching prospect who has split time between A and AA in the minor leagues.
Advertisement
For the second consecutive year, the Texas Rangers emerged with one of the biggest prizes at baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline, snagging catcher Jonathan Lucroy in a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers – an acquisition that possibly swings the balance of power in the American League. In exchange, the Rangers are sending right-hander Luis Ortiz, outfielder Lewis Brinson and another player yet to be named to the Brewers.
“While it is extremely hard to part with players the caliber of Jonathan Lucroy and Jeremy Jeffress, we are excited to add more young and talented players to the organization as we continue to build toward future winning seasons in Milwaukee”, Stearns said in a release.
I’m still processing this and wrapping my brain around this deal.giving up Brinson and Ortiz is painful, particularly Brinson, who I’ve been excited about for a while, and who I was hoping to get to see man center field for the Rangers for a long time to come.
In another tweet, Lucroy thanked Brewers fans and said they would always have a special place in his heart.
Lucroy, 29, is enjoying a renaissance at the plate in 2016, hitting.300/.360/.484 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs in 94 games.
To make room on the 40 man roster for Lucroy and Jeffress, the Rangers have designated catcher Bryan Holaday, now on the disabled list, and catcher Bobby Wilson for assignment.
Susac appeared in 87 games for the Giants in 2014 and 2015, batting.240 with six home runs and 33 RBI.
The New York Mets have acquired All-Star outfielder Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Dilson Herrera and minor league left-hander Max Wotell.
Brinson, the Rangers’ first-round draft pick in 2012, batted.237 with 11 homers, 40 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 77 games at Double-A Frisco this season.
Advertisement
The Brewers confirmed the transaction early Monday evening. He is now hitting.237 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Combined, he has a 4-6 record with a 3.48 ERA. But on Sunday morning, Lucroy vetoed the trade, officially cancelling the deal. Jeffress will provide a boost to the back of the Texas bullpen after posting a 2.22 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while going 27-for-28 in save chances for the Brewers, and it’s reasonable to think that he could emerge as a ninth-inning option again if the Rangers view him as an upgrade over Sam Dyson. He made the NL All-Star team for the third time. Over his last 14 relief appearances since June 24, Jeffress has gone 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA (1 ER/13.0 IP) and 8 saves, while holding opponents to a.224/.283/.245 slash line.
