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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run with a double in the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run with a double in the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jonathan Lucroy to the Houston Astros

The other big trade chip the Brewers possess is Lucroy, who is one of the most likely players to be dealt in all of baseball. Lucroy is again among the game’s best catchers after a rough 2015, and has a friendly $5.25 million club option for next season to increase his trade value.

In 2014, Lucroy was one of the most valuable players in the Majors, piling up 6.1 WAR with a terrific 132 wRC+ for his position per FanGraphs. However, injuries limited Lucroy to 103 games with 1.1 WAR the following year, and there were concerns about his immediate future after a series of concussion problems in September.

Fortunately for the Brewers, Lucroy has stayed healthy in 2016 and is producing at the plate with a 124 wRC+ in 288 plate appearances. While we may not see the 6.1 WAR version of Lucroy again, he will be sought after at the deadline with a number of contenders needing help at catcher.

After a slow start, the Astros have climbed into Wild Card contention at 42-37, and will likely be buying at the deadline with the window to win open. An upgrade at catcher could help the team reach the postseason, as Jason Castro has largely struggled since making an All-Star appearance in 2014.

The Astros still have a terrific farm system after a number of deals over the past year, and would retain plenty of young players who are nearly MLB ready like A.J. Reed and Alex Bregman even if they gave up a strong package for Lucroy.

Next: 3. Danny Valencia to the New York Mets

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