MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades that need to happen

Jonathan Lucroy to the Texas Rangers

Quietly, Milwaukee has done a nice job getting back good returns in the past year for players like Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura to kickstart a rebuild. Dealing Lucroy this summer would be the next step for the Brewers towards contending down the line in the brutal NL Central.

Just two years ago, Lucroy was one of the most valuable players in baseball. Lucroy combined outstanding defense with a 132 wRC+ to post 6.1 WAR in 2014 per FanGraphs.com, an elite mark for a catcher.

However, Lucroy’s output dipped to 1.1 WAR in just 103 games last season as he struggled at the plate while dealing with a toe injury and concussion. The Brewers missed out on an opportunity to deal Lucroy prior to the 2015 season, but can still somewhat salvage the situation this summer with a fair return for the 29-year-old.

Unfortunately, Lucroy is off to a poor start at the plate again, exactly the last thing Milwaukee wanted to see in a rebuilding season. At the very least, Lucroy looks healthy in the early going, and can still be a valuable piece due to his defense, pitch framing, and team-friendly club option for 2017.

For a team like Texas, who figures to be in the AL West mix again after winning the division a year ago, Lucroy would be a huge upgrade. The Rangers already had a shaky catching situation entering the year, and it looks downright ugly after starter Robinson Chirinos suffered a broken forearm.

Texas has an excellent farm system, and wouldn’t have to part with a top prospect like Nomar Mazara to get Lucroy. Even if Lucroy’s value is not what it once was, Milwaukee could get back a solid package of mid-level prospects from Texas.

Next: Tyson Ross and Derek Norris to the Houston Astros