Texas Rangers: Potential Jonathan Lucroy trade destinations

At last year’s trade deadline, the Texas Rangers acquired catcher Jonathan Lucroy in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. One year later, it looks like Lucroy might be back on the block ready to suit up for a new team. Where could he go?

With the Rangers underperforming this year and way behind the first place Houston Astros, it might be time for a huge sell-off. This includes everyone on an expiring contract.

Lucroy, in the last year of his deal, remains a desirable piece any team in need of a catcher should pursue. Since this is a very specific position, not everyone would have room on their roster. This limits his options greatly, but not entirely.

When discussing the possibility of another trade involving Lucroy it’s worth noting two important things: how he’s doing now and what it cost the Rangers last year.

This season has not gone well for Lucroy. He could certainly pick things up as the heat arrives in Texas, but there’s no guarantee of this. Through 205 plate appearances, the 31-year-old backstop is slashing .269/.307/.389 with four home runs. His 82 OPS+ tells an even worse story as it shows how far below the average hitter Lucroy is this year.

As for the second point, the Rangers gave up top prospects Luis Ortiz and Lewis Brinson for Lucroy and reliever Jeremy Jeffress. They later added Ryan Cordell to complete the trade.

This is definitely a high price to pay for Lucroy and Jeffress, yet not unreasonable. The Rangers managed to get an affordable and talented catcher along with a reliever having a very good season. Even though the trade hasn’t yielded phenomenal results, one cannot argue this was robbery.

Now with only a few months left on his contract, Lucroy is even more affordable. He’s making only a little over $5 million this season which means anyone in need of a catcher qualifies. Who are they and what might they pay to get him?