There’s still no word on just how long the veteran infielder will miss, but with one of the best pitching staffs in the game, keeping pace with the top teams in the National League is a must and if that means making a trade now. That’s just what the front office must do for the fans and players, especially with enough talent on the roster to win a World Series.
Several names have surfaced over the last few days, including Justin Smoak of Toronto and Mitch Moreland of the Texas Rangers, but with the Blue Jays still expecting to make a run in the AL East and Texas playing some good baseball, it might be hard to pry either player away from their current teams.
Another name mentioned and a player that makes more sense is Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy. The 29-year-old could fill in a first, but also help New York with their issues behind the plate, but if reports are correct, the veteran won’t come cheap.
The Brewers let it be known in the off season that they were willing to trade their star, but it was reported that teams that have already contacted Milwaukee have been turned off by the price tag the team has on him. With just over $9 million in salary due over the next two years, financially it would be a great move for any team willing to part with several prospects and the closer it gets to the MLB trade deadline, the price to deal for the catcher will only increase.
Lucroy is hitting .287 this season, just over his career average and with decent power and the ability to play different positions, New York would add a great bat to their lineup and a player that would really love to play for a team in the race for a spot in the post season, but the Mets need to move quickly or risk wasting an opportunity to win a World Series.