Milwaukee Brewers: A Potential Jonathan Lucroy Reunion?

This 2018 Milwaukee Brewers are in contention for a playoff spot. But, the rumor mill is starting to turn as we near the trade deadline. Could the Brewers upgrade their offense with a player from their recent history?

The Milwaukee Brewers have already shown a distinct winners mentality when they DFA’ed back-up catcher Jett Bandy and traded for Eric Kratz. Last season the Brewers saw the unexpected breakout of current starter, Manny Pina.

In 2017, Pina slashed .279/.327/.424.  He also showed a little bit of pop now and again with his nine home runs. In 2018, it is a different story. Pina owns a slash line of only .218/.279/.355.

It is still too early in the season to start passing judgment on his legitimacy as an everyday catcher. However, it is not too early to look at a veteran upgrade for a team that is in position for a playoff birth.

Why Jonathan Lucroy?

“Why not Jonathan Lucroy?” is the real question. A former fan favorite and a proven veteran who has had great success in Milwaukee in the past, Lucroy’s stats don’t fly off the pages anymore like they used to. He owns a .253/.313/.347 slash line in 2018.  The good news for the Milwaukee Brewers is that he should come at a relatively lower price than  J.T Realmuto, who will require a hefty return.

Acquiring Lucroy would also give Jacob Nottingham more time to learn in Triple-A. Nottingham is most likely going to be called up once his DL stint is over. But relying on a rookie to carry a potential playoff rotation is asking a lot.

Would Lucroy Start?

Between Pina and a potential Lucroy reunion, it’s clear that if a deal went down the Milwaukee Brewers would go with the new guy.

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It would not be such a bad idea to try to pull off a deal similar to the  Jeremy Jeffress trade and bring Lucroy back to where he has had the most success in his career. Lucroy could end up as the missing piece to a playoff team, if the Brewers are able to swing a deal for him in the next month.