Indians Rumors: Jonathan Lucroy Deal Still Possible

The Cleveland Indians rumors still have the team interested in Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

According to ESPN and Baseball America writer Jerry Crasnick, via Twitter, the Cleveland Indians have been in contact with the Brewers about  Jonathan Lucroy and relief pitcher Will Smith.

There have been plenty of Indians rumors on MLB Trade Rumors this week, but this one seems to make the most sense for the Cleveland.

The Indians have the fewest Wins Above Replacement in the majors from their catchers this season, according to Fangraphs. Accumulatively, the Indians’ catchers have produced a WAR of -1.1 this season.

Yan Gomes (-.6 WAR), Chris Gimenez (.-5), and Roberto Perez (.-1) have combined for some downright paltry numbers. As a unit their stats look like this:

• Ten Home Runs
• 40 Runs Batted In
• .168 Batting Average
• .216 On-Base Percentage
• .288 Slugging Percentage

Lucroy, on the other hand, is among the best catchers in baseball. He is ranked third in WAR among catchers in the majors at 2.5.

His offensive numbers far outweigh those of the Cleveland catchers’ efforts. He would be a big upgrade at the position for the Indians.

• 13 Home Runs
• 50 Runs Batted In
• .300 Batting Average
• .361 On-Base Percentage
• .486 Slugging Percentage

Will Smith has struggled this season since returning in June from a leg injury suffered in the spring. His Earned Run Average sits at a ghastly 4.02.

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Last season, the left-hander was very effective out of the bullpen, posting a 2.47 Earned Run Average, while striking out 91 in just 63.1 innings.

Smith, if he can recover that dominance, would bolster the Indians’ bullpen depth in a big way.

The best news for the Indians is that the Indians can retain Lucroy for 2017 for just $5.25 million. Smith would be under team control through 2019.

Gomes was the starting catcher coming into 2016 but injuries and poor performances have left the Indians searching for help behind the plate. Gomes injured his should on July 17th, and will be out several weeks.

If the Indians can pull this deal off, they can seriously upgrade at catcher for the playoffs and beyond. Gomes, after putting together two solid campaigns in 2013 and 2014, has been a big disappointment the last two seasons. Lucroy will be a big improvement!

Next: Should the Indians Re-Acquire Jeanmar Gomez

The Cleveland Indians rumors should continue to fly around this weekend as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Stay tuned as the Indians try to hold off the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

It should be a fun stretch run for the Indians!