Texas hasn’t had a solidified catcher since A.J. Pierzynski in 2013, so they go out and make a splash by acquiring Jonathon Lucroy, but it didn’t go without a hefty price. Like their deal for Cole Hamels last summer, the Rangers gave up some valuable prospects. However, with this deal, Texas clearly states their plan to win it all in October.
Previously during the deadline, Texas was trying to acquire Chris Sale, as the rotation does need a little depth, but acquiring Lucory will get the job done. Jonathon may not be the starting pitcher Texas was hoping to acquire, but having an all-star catcher behind the plate can improve the pitching staff from a game calling perspective. Other than that, the 2-time all-star really adds the most value with his bat. Lucroy has a WAR of 2.6 so far this season along with 6.0 runs created per game (how many runs a game a lineup of 9 of him would produce). He is batting .299, and has a secondary average (a batters true AVG factoring in what types of hits rather than just hits/AB) of .296. He will just be yet another big stick to add to their already dangerous lineup down in Arlington, and will certainly be missed in Milwaukee, despite what the Brew-Crew received in return.
The Brewers are the second team in that NL Central that are doing a complete rebuild, hence bringing in prospects from trades. In return for their star catcher, Milwaukee received top prospects Lewis Brinson and Luis Ortiz; both of whom are ranked in the MLB pipeline top 100. Brinson was a first round pick in the 2012 draft as an outfielder showing that rare, yet lethal, combination of power and speed. Currently being ranked a top 30 prospect in the game by multiple sources, many scouting reports have him listed as a possible 30-30 guy if he reaches the majors. The other guy, Luis Ortiz, is admired for his fastball-slider first/second pitch combination. Standing at 6-3, 230, his big build allows him to keep his fastball velocity up deep into ballgames. Currently Ortiz is ranked #63 on MLB pipeline’s top 100 prospects list. Other than those two, there will be another player to be named later coming over from the Texas Rangers organization, as the Brew-Crew also sent reliever, Jeremy Jeffress, to the Rangers. Overall though, for where both clubs are in terms of franchise direction, this was one of the best, fair trades, of the deadline.
