Houston Astros
The Astros aren’t exactly a contender this year and are probably better off selling guys like Colby Rasmus, Carlos Gomez and others, but they could theoretically buy Lucroy this year. Brewers GM David Stephens comes from the Astros. so he knows their system better than anyone.
Jason Castro isn’t giving the Astros much behind the plate offensively, even with an improved walk rate. Astros catchers are 16th in WRC+, and 18th in OPS.
Lucroy could also help the Astros at first base until top prospect A.J. Reed is ready to come up after recovering from an injury.
This move would be a curious one considering the situation the Astros are in, however, they could easily flip Lucroy next year were they to struggle again and get assets for other players to even out their losses on Lucroy.
Next: Cubs scouting Yankees bullpen
If I had to pick anyone out of these five to land Lucroy, I would have to handicap the Rangers as the favorite since they have enough to get him and the arm that they need. However, don’t be surprised if a team has an injury to a catcher between now and then and makes a late push to get Lucroy.