Like most MLB teams at this point in spring training, the Los Angeles Angels seem to be paring their roster down rather than adding more pieces. But with Jonathan Lucroy's availability via trade well known, the team should give the Milwaukee Brewers a call.
The American League West seems to be wide open this season, but not because of a lack of talent. The Seattle Mariners are looking to bounce back from their fourth place finish, while the Houston Astros are positioned to challenge the Texas Rangers for the division.
After winning 98 games in 2014, winning the division, the Angels regressed to 85 wins, a third-place finish and no playoff berth last season. Massive contractual obligations hurt their ability to pursue free agents over the winter, but the one move that could ultimately bolster their offense and help their overall depth would not cost them much money at all.
Lucroy has been connected to both the Astros and Rangers, and both teams have reportedly engaged in trade negotiations with the Brewers. Lucroy is relatively cheap for this season and next but could conceivably command a lengthy, lucrative contract after that. His offense took a dip last season, but he still sports a career .282 batting average and is just one year removed from a fourth-place finish for the NL MVP.
Sources: #Rangers remain interested in #Brewers' Lucroy, but no recent talks. #Astros, #Athletics were among other clubs interested earlier.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 14, 2016
Trading for Lucroy would be just as beneficial for the Angels in terms of adding a bat and upgrading at catcher, as it would keep him away from two division rivals that are already favored to compete for first place. The Angels are also dealing with injuries to multiple starting pitchers, and a savvy pitch-framer like Lucroy could give the rotation a boost.
Playing in the American League would also allow Lucroy to take more days off from catching while still staying in the lineup as the designated hitter. The Angels have to accept that Albert Pujols is not the fearsome hitter he once was, and adding another bat would take some of the pressure off the aging slugger and would deepen the team's lineup if he gets hurt.
But the Angels already have three catchers - Carlos Perez, Geovany Soto and Jeff Bandy -and may have to part with at least one of them to add Lucroy. The other issue is finding the right package of players to offer the Brewers. The Angels are trying to deepen their farm system, and the Brewers are reportedly seeking a substantial return for Lucroy.
The Rangers began inquiring about San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris for this reason, but the Astros have a wealth of young talent and would have a much easier time negotiating with the Brewers.
If (or perhaps when) the Brewers lowered their asking price, the Angels would be smart to jump at the opportunity to pull the trigger on a trade. However, the Brewers' asking price will only go up if Lucroy stays healthy throughout the first month or two of the season, let alone if he gets off to a hot start.
