Jonathan Lucroy can block trade to eight teams

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is clearly available via trade, but he can block a move to eight teams as the non-waiver deadline nears on Monday.

There’s no doubt Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is available via trade, with rumors dating back to the offseason. He’s having a good season, with a .300/.361/.486 slash-line, 13 home runs, 50 RBI and 48 runs scored entering Friday’s action.

Lucroy has also thrown out 40 percent of would-be base stealers (32-of-48) so far this season, and advanced data has long lauded his ability as a pitch framer behind the plate. The Brewers are clearly in a position to get a nice return in a trade.

The plot has gotten a bit thicker though, with Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reporting the Brewers have asked teams interested in Lucroy to submit offers that meet a minimum standard. Exactly what that means is unclear, but the New York Mets’ recent offer of catcher Travis D’Arnaud straight-up for Lucroy was reportedly turned down.

Now we have the following nugget, from ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:

The most interesting team on Lucroy’s no-trade list is the Indians, who are clearly in the market for a catcher, followed fairly closely by the Tigers. The Nationals could also have sought an upgrade behind the plate at some point, but with Wilson Ramos finally healthy and having a good season it’s not an urgent need for them. Crasnick recently reported the Tigers were “not involved” in trade talks for Lucroy, so their presence among teams he can block a deal to looks irrelevant if that’s to be believed.

Lucroy has said publicly he wants to play for a contender, and the American League Central-leading Indians fit that bill. Fellow contenders the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox have shown interest in Lucroy too, and all three teams of those teams are not on his no-trade list.

Lucroy’s eventual trade destination will surely come down to what team is willing to meet or exceed the minimum standard the Brewers have set. But it’s hard to see Lucroy’s no-trade list standing in the way of a move, as long as the Indians come up with a competitive offer.

For more trade deadline news and rumors, visit our MLB page.