CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Indians could be nearing a trade for Milwaukee All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Despite Lucroy saying that he wants to play for a contender, he seems to like it in Milwaukee, not actually doing everything he possibly can to put himself in a winning situation. Chief among those demands, Lucroy wanted a guarantee that he would be the primary starting catcher for the Indians in 2017, the final year of his extremely team-friendly contract.
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Secondly, Cleveland had worked out all the parameters of a deal that would have sent one of the game’s best all-around catchers to a team that’s struggling behind the plate right now. Fans even made a hashtag and everything to encourage Lucroy to waive the clause, but apparently he doesn’t like the idea of getting a haircut with Matt Underwood.
So far, the trades have been highlighted by Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs and Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians.
The deals would have addressed the Indians’ two biggest concerns as they head down the home stretch and try to stave off a resurgent Detroit Tigers team nipping at their heels. The New York Mets and Texas Rangers were reportedly among the other teams interested in Lucroy. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that prospects Luis Ortiz and Yohander Mendez are among the prospect names being discussed. He’s now 6-1 with a 1.39 earned run average in 44 appearances with the Yankees. They also didn’t promise Lucroy a guaranteed spot at catcher, instead suggesting he’ll be used at catcher, first base and designated hitter. Indians relievers’ combined 3.58 ERA ranks 10th in the majors and fifth in the American League.
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For the second straight season, the Milwaukee Brewers hit a snag while trying to trade one of their key players before the deadline. He’s converted 20 of 22 saves on the year and carries a 2.58 ERA. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox have also been rumored to have interest. With Gomes out, Chris Gimenez and Roberto Perez have been sharing catching duties, but neither has been productive. He has a.300/.360/.484 slash line along with 13 home runs and 50 RBI in 94 games this year.
