Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy vetoes trade to Indians
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has exercised his no-trade clause and vetoed a trade with the Cleveland Indians, Brewers GM David Stearns confirmed Sunday morning.
According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Lucroy wanted the Indians to give up his 2017 club option before he approved the deal. He was reportedly concerned about playing time next season, with current Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes still slated to be on the roster. (Gomes is currently on the disabled list with a separated shoulder.)
After the veto, Lucroy said that “circumstances came up that made me void [the trade]” but that he’s “not going to comment on any specifics,” according to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy.
The Brewers had previously agreed to terms on the trade, with the Indians sending catching prospect Francisco Mejia, Yu-Cheng Chang and Greg Allen in exchange for Lucroy, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported.
Lucroy, who was named to his second All-Star team this season, is currently batting .300 with 13 home runs. The 30-year-old would have joined an Indians team that leads the American League Central by 4 1/2 games over the Tigers, and is in need of depth at catcher after losing Yan Gomes to injury.
The veteran backstop is in the final year of his contract, and his club option for next season is worth $5.25 million.
The Mets and Rangers have also looked at Lucroy, with New York reportedly offering a package headed by Travis d’Arnaud and prospect Brandon Nimmo.
– Kenny Ducey
