Report: Tigers Targeting Jonathan Lucroy
By Will Burchfield/Follow Will @Burchie_kid
DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Despite GM Al Avila suggesting the Tigers will stand pat at the trade deadline, it appears the team is pondering a major move.
Per Ken Rosenthal, the Tigers are one of a few teams targeting Brewers' All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
Rosenthal also named the Indians and Mets as potential suitors for Lucroy, while the Astros and Rangers are believed to be inquiring about his services as well. The two-time All-Star has become one of the hottest commodities on the trade market between his elite bat and excellent defense.
Lucroy is hitting .301 through 91 games this season with 13 homers, 50 RBI and an .849 OPS.
The Tigers, meanwhile, have received replacement-level production from James McCann and Jarrod Saltalamacchia just about all season long. The former is hitting .197 with six homeruns, 25 RBI and a .539 OPS; the latter is hitting .206 with 10 homers, 30 RBI and a .766 OPS.
Once J.D. Martinez returns in right field, it's fair to say the Tigers' most glaring offensive deficiency will exist behind the plate. Adding Lucroy would give them a massive boost down the stretch.
Given his terrific numbers, the demand for his services and an otherwise slim market for catchers, the price for Lucroy is obviously high. It remains to be seen if the Tigers have the assets - and the nerve - to lure him from Milwaukee.
Either way, it appears Avila and the Tigers aren't totally sold on standing pat. Don't count them out as the August 1 trade deadline approaches.
