Milwaukee Brewers: Jonathan Lucroy vs J.T. Realmuto

Yesterday we looked at a possible Jonathan Lucroy reunion. Now, let’s decide if there’s a better option for the Milwaukee Brewers. Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto looks like an even better fit.

Why would a trade benefit Lucroy?

Once a former fan favorite, Jonathan Lucroy is stuck in yet another rebuild with the Oakland A’s.  Lucroy was a very popular option this past off-season among Milwaukee Brewers fans. Most would still welcome a Lucroy return. If he was brought to a contender, he could end up returning to his  All-Star form.

Lucroy ended up inking a one-year contract for $6.5 million to suit up in Oakland. That low price tag surprised many around the league. Especially since Lucroy was coming off of a solid 2017 campaign. He slashed .310/.429/.437 with the Colorado Rockies in 45 games played.

Why deal for Lucroy?

A deal for Lucroy could be easily completed without costing the Milwaukee Brewers any of their top prospects. If they go after Lucroy, the Brewers will keep their deep farm system intact for the future. That way, they can still make a big splash for a pitcher or any other position of need.

The Brewers acquired Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain this off-season for a reason. Not to win now, but to become competitive down the road. That is why they are both staying with the team for the next five seasons.

Lucroy would compliment the lower third of the batting order greatly. He would most likely be the more popular choice among most fans when the price is considered.

Plus we would be able to chant “LUUUUUUUUC” again. That is always a plus.

Why should the Brewers stay away from Lucroy?

Teams in the Milwaukee Brewers position have to think about team chemistry. If Lucroy is acquired then he is expected to start. The Brewers would have to sit current starter Manny Pina. That could potentially create a problem in the clubhouse and that is not what a first-place team should have to endure.

Is J.T. Realmuto the better option?

If the Milwaukee Brewers wanted to make a big, pricey splash they could call Miami and ask about making another potential deal. This time involving the Marlins last valuable trade piece. J.T. Realmuto experienced a breakout season in 2017. He slashed .278/.332/.451 and hit 17 home runs to go along with 65 RBIs.

In 2018, Realmuto is slashing .312/.374/.532 with six homers and 18 RBIs.

Realmuto is young at only 27 years old. He has three years of team control, and he’s also off too a hot start.

The price will to get him will require a big hit to the farm system. A deal will most likely involve shipping another top prospect to Miami in Keston Hiura.  The Brewers will also have to add one or two of our top pitching prospects in Corbin Burnes or Freddy Peralta.  A few extra names will most likely be needed.

The Milwaukee Brewers will also need a starting pitcher sooner or later. Those prospects make more sense in a deal for a dominant arm. It would be smarter to use those prospects in separate deals and possibly make more impactful moves.

Next: Should the Brewers deal for Chris Archer?

Remember, teams need to give up something good to get something good. If the Milwaukee need multiple needs met, then Lucroy is the better option.