Fansided

10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

By Dan Schmelzer

May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Lucroy
Apr 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) hits a 2 RBI double during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Texas Rangers Trade for Milwaukee Brewers Catcher Jonathan Lucroy

It is not often that an elite-level offensive catcher is available to be had via trade. Those kind of guys do not come around very often, and can be massively valuable to a lineup. That being said, with the Milwaukee Brewers in a clear rebuild situation, that is exactly what is happening with catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Lucroy is a strong defender behind the plate, who shows great contact ability with the bat, and a strong power swing that generates some home runs and a ton of doubles. This season, Lucroy is hitting .287/.352/.473 with a wRC+ of 120, according to Fangraphs. Those are incredibly impressive numbers for a guy who also plays the most demanding defensive position.

The Texas Rangers are right in the thick of things in the AL West, and should only get better with the return of starting pitcher Yu Darvish. This is a strong ball-club that should be in the market to improve their chances at a World Series at the trade deadline, and catcher is a position that could easily be upgraded.

It won’t be cheap, but the Brewers are extremely likely to trade Lucroy, and the Rangers are the team that makes the most sense for him. A guy who can take their offense to the next level, Jonathan Lucroy needs to squarely be on the Rangers’ radar.

Next: 2. San Francisco Giants

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