MIL C Jonathan Lucroy
Lucroy will be the most sought after catcher in the market this year. The two time all-star is hitting .301 and at 30 years old still has some years left. The Brewers haven’t given him anything long term as he only has a 5.25 million dollar club option for next year. A team looking to get him could turn it into a long term deal especially with a bad free agent market coming up after the season. His WAR and BA rank third this year among qualified catchers. The thing holding the Indians back from this one could be the long term deal with Yan Gomes (signed through 2021) compared to the price they would have to give up for Lucroy. It might take one really good prospect or a couple of good ones to pry him from Milwaukee. Derek Norris of the Padres could be another name to watch out for but with him only hitting .210, the Indians need an upgrade as compared to a second catcher that a team with injury problems might look at.
Chances: 10%
ATL RHP Arodys Vizcaino
Vizcaino would be a big pickup for the backend of the Indians bullpen if they can make it happen. The Braves have traded away a large chunk of their better players and pretty much everyone not named Freeman or Teheran is likely available. He’s only 25 years old and would also be hitting his first year of arbitration before next year. He was 3-1 with a 1.60 ERA last year and 1-4 with a 2.75 ERA this year. His strikeouts per 9 have increased to just under 12 this season. While it would be another right hander in the bullpen, he would be an upgrade over Bryan Shaw as the setup man. He’s struggled in his last few outings, which may make him more expendable for Atlanta. He may be costly in terms of a decent prospect but the club control for three years and being just 25 years old should make it worth it.
Chances: 15%
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