New York Mets Trade Rumors: Jonathan Lucroy In The Team’s Sights, But It Make Take Losing Brandon Nimmo To Make It Happen
The New York Mets are rumored to be close to a deal for Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, but it may take giving up one of their top young hitters to make it happen.
The teams have reportedly been discussing the trade for a number of days, and at one point it seemed as if the two were moving further away from completing a deal. But now the Mets seem to be upping the ante, and could be putting outfielder Brandon Nimmo on the table to see the deal through.
Amazin’ Avenue reported that Nimmo is being added to the deal, which also includes Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud and a third player who hasn’t been named yet.
There appears to be a greater sense of urgency to see the deal through, with the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaching quickly and both teams motivated to make something happen.
The deal, at least in the immediate term, would be more important for the New York Mets. The team has struggled offensively this year, especially with runners in scoring position. While Travis d’Arnaud has been strong at the plate, Lucroy is hitting .300 with a .360 on-base percentage and would add an immediate boost to a lineup that is prone to cold spells.
Lucroy would also shore up what has been a frustrating weakness for the New York Mets with d’Arnaud behind the plate. As the Kansas City Royals showed the league in the 2015 World Series, d’Arnaud struggles to throw out runners stealing second base, especially with the Noah Syndergaard pitching.
Travis d’Arnaud has also struggled to stay on the field, with some long stints on the disabled list both last year and this year.
It would be a big sacrifice for the Mets to give up Nimmo, ESPN noted.
“Nimmo was rated the top prospect in the Mets organization coming into this season and hit .235 with one home run and four RBIs in 16 games. He was demoted to Triple-A earlier this month but was recalled Thursday to take the place of Juan Lagares, who went on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his left thumb.”
.@You_Found_Nimmo has been recalled from the @LasVegas51s. Juan Lagares has been placed on the 15-Day DL (thumb). pic.twitter.com/6kgHjHMEc3
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 29, 2016
It’s increasingly imperative that the New York Mets make some kind of move to keep pace with their competition in the National League. After entering this season among the favorites to reach the World Series, the Mets have struggled through injuries and uneven play. They lost third baseman David Wright and pitcher Matt Harvey for the season, and second-year pitcher Steven Matz could be following them at any time. Matz is suffering bone spurs in his arm, and while he can play through the pain now, if it becomes too uncomfortable, the team will need to shut him down for the year.
The team’s shaky play now has them on the outside looking in, behind the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals for the final Wild Card spot. A trade deadline move could be needed for the Mets to compete for the playoffs.
If the rumors connecting the New York Mets to Jonathan Lucroy don’t pan out, there would be plenty of other teams willing to step up and make a bid for him. There are reports that at least two or three other teams have a high level of interest in the Brewers catcher.
[Photo by Benny Sieu/AP Images]
