Poor, Cleveland.
Late Saturday night, it was reported that the Milwaukee Brewers had a trade agreement in a four-for-one trade with the Cleveland Indians to send All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
Cleveland would have sent catcher Francisco Mejia (6th ranked prospect), shortstop Yu-Cheng Chang (12th ranked prospect), outfielder Greg Allen (ranked 22nd prospect), and a possible fourth outfielder.
Jonathan Lucroy had eight teams on his no-trade clause list and it included the Indians, but he also wanted to go to a contending team. Lucroy would have accepted the deal if they threw out his 2017 club option.
Sources: Jonathan Lucroy wanted Indians to rip up 2017 club option to get him to waive no-trade clause. Understandably, Cleveland said no.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2016
It’s understanding on both sides regarding the 2017 club option. The Indians are giving up some top prospects and want to keep you in hopes of signing you to a long term deal. As for Lucroy, he’s two years younger and a better player than Yankees catcher Brian McCann who is making $17 million a year. Lucroy definitely wants a big pay day this offseason with a legitimate contending team. While the Indians are in first place in the American League Central, who knows how long their current success will last.