Possible Texas Rangers trade targets as winter meetings begin

Aug 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run with a base hit in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Lucroy – Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers

Texas seems most desperate to upgrade its catching position. Lucroy would be the most impactful but also most costly player Texas could add behind the plate.

In six seasons with the Brewers, the 29-year-old veteran has hit .282 with 66 homers and 337 RBI. In his best season, 2014, Lucroy hit .301 with 13 home runs, 69 RBI and an OPS of .838 earning him an All-Star Game selection.

In 2015, injuries limited Lucroy to 103 games but that is not keeping teams from lusting after the Brewers’ backstop. Under contract through only 2016 with a club option for 2017, if Texas feels it is in a position to make a surge for a World Series, Lucroy could be a prime target.

But he will be expensive. The Brewers are in rebuilding mode and it would take at least two top prospects to pry Lucroy away from Milwaukee.

Brewers’ general manager David Sterns spoke about his catcher on Monday.

"“We are still open to discussing any number of players on our roster, but as I’ve said from the opening press conference, Jonathan Lucroy is a really good player,” Stearns said. “He provides a tremendous amount of value to the organization. He’s a reason why we can be better next year.” Link"

Of course, Sterns could just be trying to inflate Lucroy’s value while not showing his hand. Keep an eye on Lucroy as the winter unfolds because he is one of the few valuable assets Milwaukee has and for a team trying to rebuild, it might make sense to deal him to a contender like Texas.

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