The Milwaukee Brewers traded young shortstop Jean Segura to the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, which has spurred rumors regarding the future of veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who is regarded as one of the better backstops in the MLB.
Lucroy has been the subject of trade rumors for a while now since it's clear the Brewers are rebuilding. Milwaukee has little use for a 29-year-old catcher under contract for two more seasons ($4 million in 2016 and $5.25 million team option in 2017). Instead, the club can opt to get value for the prized slugger, as they did with Segura, Carlos Gomez, Adam Lind and Francisco Rodriguez.
Although team owner Mark Attanasio said over the weekend he expects Lucroy to be with the team when spring training begins, the latest rumors suggest otherwise.
"A few baseball folks feel something's brewing with Lucroy, as teams such as Houston and Washington may be interested in adding a top catcher," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "Lucroy does have a limited no-trade clause, but as we've learned, no-trade provisions are negotiable. Adding Lucroy would allow the Astros to play Jason Castro some at first base."
Lucroy expressed last month that it'd probably be best for both him and the team if he's traded. It was also noted earlier in the offseason that the Nationals and Texas Rangers could be suitors for him, but it was said the Brewers had yet to hear anything "very interesting" in trade talks.
Based on the reported trade discussions, it's surely possible Lucroy isn't dealt before the regular season, which means he could be a valuable trade chip at the non-waiver deadline. He had a down campaign in 2015 due to injuries and it's probably regarded as the worst season of his career. As a result, general manager David Stearns perhaps prefers that Lucroy rebuild his value at the onset of 2016 before the team seriously entertains offers.
Lucroy will still be an enticing player at the deadline because of his $5.25 million team option for 2017. The Brewers don't seem in a rush to trade him, but at the same time don't be surprised if he's moved this offseason.
