Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: Ranking the Top Players on the Trading Block by Position

By Greg Goldstein

May 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Duvall (23) is greeted by right fielder Jay Bruce (32) after a home run in the fourth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Duvall (23) is greeted by right fielder Jay Bruce (32) after a home run in the fourth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

Catchers 

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jonathan Lucroy (Milwaukee Brewers) – .300/.360/.484/.844/13 HR/2.6 WAR

Lucroy was supposed to be on the move to Cleveland until he wasn’t. With the Indians being on his no-trade list, the Brewers catcher opted to decline the trade and stick with Milwaukee, at least for now. The 2016 All Star has been heavily rumored to be traded since the start of the season and there is no reason that he shouldn’t be. The Brewers are not in contention this year and probably won’t be a factor next season. So with Lucroy set to hit free agency after the 2017 season, the Brewers should trade him while his value is at its peak.

Lucroy has been a top five catcher in baseball this season, hitting for both average and power. He is very good behind the plate as well. There are multiple teams that could use catching upgrades besides the Indians, so expect the 30 year-old to still be on the move come August 1. He’s at a bargain price and will be one of the better acquisitions this summer.

2. Brian McCann (New York Yankees) – .235/.334/.430/.764/15 HR/1.3 WAR 

The Yanks have already traded two of their best relievers in Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, signaling that they are more buyers than sellers, even though they are still hypothetically in the Wild Card race when looking at the standings. New York has done a great job of turning their veterans into young talent, and while McCann probably won’t fetch anything too great, shedding some extra payroll would certainly be enticing to Brian Cashman.

McCann’s calling card is his power; he’s second in MLB in home runs at his position. But he is a one trick pony with all of his other offensive numbers on the decline. Still, he is under control at least through 2018, and the Yankees will probably be willing to pay a lot of his contract to get him off their roster. He is no longer the player that he was when he was in Atlanta, but there his power keeps him as a starting caliber backstop.

3. Derek Norris (San Diego Padres) – .193/.253/.360/.613/12 HR/0.8 WAR

Even though his batting average is south of .200, the former top prospect has been hitting better of late as he tries to overcome an awful start to the season. What makes Norris appealing to catcher needy teams is that he is young and controllable for two more seasons after this one. He’s capable of putting up solid power numbers for his position and teams may be able to get a good deal for him as the Padres look to get their young backstop, Austin Hedges, to MLB. Norris is by no means an above average player behind the plate, but he can be serviceable and will be able to be had at a lesser cost. He’s a near lock to get dealt before the deadline.

4. Kurt Suzuki (Minnesota Twins) – .282/.320/.432/.752/6 HR/0.9 WAR

Suzuki has bounced back nicely from a sub par 2015 campaign. After a productive season a couple of years ago, Minnesota decided to lock up their catcher in-season in 2014. He responded that net year by hitting .240. This season has been much kinder to the 32 year-old. He’s hitting much better now possessing a batting average of over .280 and he already has more long balls than he did all of last season. Unlike Norris, he’s an impending free agent, which is why he sits behind him on this list. But, he represents a great backup option at the very least, with the ability to be an everyday player if need be.

5. Geovany Soto (Los Angeles Angels) – .284/.333/.478/.811/3 HR/0.5 WAR

The Angels have struggled mightily this year and will be looking to start building their weak farm system at the trade deadline. Soto is one of the pieces that they will be looking to sell. He’s a free agent after the year and is purely a back up option for interested clubs. He’s hitting .284 and can hold his own behind the plate. There aren’t that many talented catchers available, so Los Angeles may be able to get a team trying to improve their depth behind the plate to give up a lesser prospect for the journeyman backstop.

Other Options: 

6. Carlos Ruiz: .261/.365/.366/.731/3 HR/1.1 WAR

7. Nick Hundley: .249/.332/.428/.759/5 HR/-0.1 WAR

8. A.J. Pierzynski: .216/.235/.288/.523/1 HR/-1.5 WAR

Next: Corner Infielders

Home/MLB News