The New York Mets seem to have an interest in Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
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The 52-45 Mets are stuck in the National League Wild Card hunt at the moment, but the acquisition of a two-way catcher, Lucroy or otherwise, could really help them rediscover some of their playoff magic from last season. According to reports in the Daily News, the Mets have discussed a deal with the Brewers that would send Travis d’Arnaud to Milwaukee along with other prospects. The Mets will be buyers, as their assistant general manager John Ricco said he expects them to make a deal prior to the deadline. They have players like Dominic Smith, Amed Rosario, Gavin Cecchini and Brandon Nimmo with a lot of teams interested in putting their hands on them, but overall, their farm system’s depth is considered to be lacking, hence they might not be too pleased to give up one of these players, even if it means landing Lucroy. Lucroy is hitting.302/.362/.494 over 354 plate appearances, along with 13 home runs and 50 runs batted in.
Lucroy is having an excellent 2016, bouncing back from his injury-plagued 2015. From sources that spoke with Kristie Ackert, the Brewers were one of many teams that recently scouted the Mets’ lower level minor league clubs.
The Mets and Brewers have been linked already, as Jon Morosi mentioned that the Mets have interest in Brewers’ relievers Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress.
D’Arnaud missed 50 games with a shoulder injury this season and has struggled to stay healthy since debuting with the Mets in 2013.
Lucroy is not only a productive player, but he has a very reasonable contract. There is also a team option on his services for only $5.23 million for 2017.
Because of that, it would not be surprising to see the Brewers ask for a big package from the Mets. d’Arnaud will probably be included, but it would not be a surprise to see the Brewers ask for one of the young starters, such as Steven Matz or Zack Wheeler.
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With the trade deadline approaching next week, the Mets were expected to be active in the relief pitching market.
