3 Players The Texas Rangers Should Trade At The Deadline

Jonathan Lucroy

The Rangers recently opened up and said that the team is willing to move catcher Jonathan Lucroy at the deadline. A smart move for the Rangers as Lucroy is set to become a free agent after the season.

The two-time All-Star catcher was acquired by Texas last August. The Rangers gave up a boatload of prospects in exchange for Lucroy and reliever Jeremy Jeffress. That deal has backfired on the Rangers as Lucroy as not lived up to expectations.

This season Lucroy is batting .259 with four homeruns and 22 RBI in 62 games. He’s been a rock behind the plate, but his hitting has steadily declined over the last season. It’s time for the Rangers to get as much as they can for Lucroy.

One problem could be that Lucroy does have a no trade clause in his contract. He declined a trade to the Cleveland Indians last season which then landed him in Arlington. The 31-year-old catcher will likely want to play with a contender instead of Texas.

The no trade clause should not be a huge problem for the Rangers as Lucroy is a free agent after the season. There is no long-term commitment to whichever team lands him, and he can leave after the season.

The Rangers believe a duo of Robinson Chirinos and Brett Nicholas is good enough. Texas can always trade or sign another catcher in the off-season. Trading Lucroy is a must because re-signing him is unlikely.

Getting something for Lucroy is better than nothing. The Rangers could get two or three prospects for Lucroy. He only has half a season left and is performing average on offense. Don’t expect a huge return, but something is much better than letting him walk for nothing.