Cleveland Indians: How Realistic is a Lucroy-Braun Trade?

Fantasy vs Reality: Is a Lucroy-Braun Trade Possible for the Cleveland Indians?

It’s mid-July and the Cleveland Indians have a seven-game lead in the American League Central Division and hold the best record in the entire American League at 56-38. Yet despite this, they are a team with some holes on the roster. The bullpen is the big one and has lead to rumors about the likes of Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, among others, but the biggest rumor to come out recently is the Indians interest in Milwaukee Brewers catcher Johnathan Lucroy and possibly outfielder Ryan Bryan. 

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I’ll be honest, I had never heard of this account before this tweet happened. I have no reason to believe there is any truth to it and the account appears to be more geared toward gambling. That said, I can’t say it definitely is hogwash.

I do think the Indians have talked to the Brewers…and really any team that isn’t also in a pennant race. How real or close any trade rumors are though are anyone’s guess. However, let’s assume for a second that the Indians are interested in both Lucroy and Braun…is it even possible to land both in the same deal? And if it is, do the Indians have the financial ability to take them on? Let’s take a look.

Next: Is a Trade Really Possible?