Texas Rangers Looking to Trade Catcher Jonathan Lucroy

The rumors continue to fly around as the trade deadline approaches. The Rangers recently announced that the organization is willing to trade catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Is this a good or bad move for the Rangers?

Last August the Texas Rangers traded three players including one of their top prospects Lewis Brinson to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jonathan Lucroy and reliever Jeremy Jeffress. At the time it was a smart move for Texas as the organization was in a playoff run.

This season is different as Texas is falling further behind every day, and is likely headed towards a rebuild. Lucroy is eligible for free agency after the season, and Texas wants to get at least something out of him.

The two-time All-Star might not have the same value as he did a year ago. This season Lucroy is hitting .259 with four home runs and 22 RBI in 62 games. Decent stats, but Lucroy was hitting nearly .300 before he joined the Rangers last season.

More from Nolan Writin'

Another big factor was that he was under control all of the 2017 season. The Rangers are now basically trading half a season of Lucroy, but it’s still better than nothing. It’s likely that the Rangers could get two solid prospects for Lucroy.

Probably not anyone like Lewis Brinson with half a season on Lucroy’s deal. Getting a No. 5 prospect or higher from any organization would be tough for just Lucroy. At least something is better than watching him walk away for nothing this off-season.

The Rangers believe Robinson Chirinos and Brett Nicholas would be a solid catching duo. At least good enough to get through this season, and then trade or sign another catcher in the off-season.

Next: 3 Options to Fill the Hole At Closer

Trading Lucroy is a must for the Rangers if the team doesn’t turn their season around fast. Re-signing him is unlikely and if Texas doesn’t believe they can compete then moving Lucroy must happen before the trade deadline.

Home/Texas Rangers News