6. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Texas Rangers
It wasn’t that long ago that Jonathan Lucroy had a sterling defensive reputation. In 2014, he was one of the best in baseball, having produced 18.7 FRAA according to Baseball Prospectus. In 2013, he was the best in baseball at 27.3. However, according to BP’s metrics, Lucroy is now the worst defensive catcher in the big leagues, having posted -14.7 FRAA.
Lucroy has also gotten worse at the plate. In 63 games, the 31-year-old is hitting .255/.300/.362 (well below his .282/.340/.436 career slash) with four home runs and 23 RBI.
It also wasn’t long ago that Lucroy was a highly sought after player at the MLB trade deadline. In fact, one year ago, Lucroy vetoed a trade that would have sent him to the Cleveland Indians (who of course would go on to win the American League pennant and come within and extra-inning Game 7 of winning the World Series), eventually settling in Texas. After less than a calendar year with the Rangers, however, it appears that Lucroy is on the market again.
Super reported Ken Rosenthal tweeted July 2 that Texas is willing to play the rest of the season with Robinson Chirinos and Brett Nicholas as its primary catchers, which would make a Lucroy trade a distinct possibility. As Rosenthal pointed out, the Rangers need help in the bullpen. Therefore, the Rangers would probably try to flip Lucroy for an arm.
Because of his past success, and the fact that his contract comes to an end after the 2017 season, there will be several teams willing to take a chance that Lucroy can put together a productive final two months. As with Avila, Arizona and Colorado seem to make the most sense for Lucroy, though the Red Sox could be in the mix as well.