A Swing and A Drive

While it's true that Jimmy Nelson is not in danger of being non-tendered a MLB contract anytime soon, it's a good reality check to realize that he is closer in talent to Wily Peralta than to David Price. (i.e. he would still slot in nicely as a contending teams 4th or 5th starter currently) The Brewers should certainly be open to trading him as his value could be near a career peak at present. Couple that with a weak SP trade market and a re-building team like the Brewers should be open to trading him. With that said, I think they'd get more value for him trading him on his own, opposed to packaging him with someone like Lucroy.

Personally, I wouldn't be too happy with this return for Lucroy. O'Neil has some nice power but I'd prefer a trade headliner with a higher ceiling. Unsworth is a back end MLB starter at best or likely bullpen arm. Zunino has had a nice rebound at AAA this year, but he has limited years of team control because of his MLB service time. Maybe if RHP Nick Niedert was in place of Usworth and a 4th lottery ticket was added, it would be closer to an acceptable return. I think (hope?) Sterns can do better.

The Brewer top minor league hitting prospects certainly are lacking in power potential like Joey Gallo. There is no question about it. Orlando Arcia, Brett Phillips, Corey Ray and Trenton Clark probably all have a MLB ceiling of about 20 HR a year power. The system is also lacking in Corner Infield prospects. That's why players like 1B/3B Joey Gallo and 1B Bobby Bradley have some definite appeal. Plus the Rangers and Indians both have intriguing pitchers to add to the trade mix, as well.

I just don't know if the Indians will be willing to trade the likes of Frazier or Aiken for an upgrade from Gomes to Lucroy. I wouldn't mind this however: 1B Bobby Bradley RHP Triston McKenzie 3rd piece of Sterns liking for C Jonathon Lucroy Bradley and McKenzie are further away from the Bigs, both I like both their ceilings.

I agree that Pujols was also a potential but UN-PROVEN user of PEDs. He showed a steep decline as he aged in his 30s. The difference is Braun IS a PROVEN user of PEDs. It's not crazy to expect a similar decline in production from Braun. Also not mentioned... The fact that if Ryan gets caught using PEDS again, he will be facing a 100 game MLB suspension. This will certainly give a team looking at acquiring Braun and his contract via trade, significant pause. Especially when considering parting with top, young talent for him.

The Mets are simply NOT going to be buyers. With injury issues for Thor, Matz, Wheeler, Cespedes, and Wright popping up and Harvey being inconsistent, they will recognize that this won't be their year to "Go for it". And yes, EVEN Luc AND Braun would not net us Matz. Moving on from the Mets... The Rangers just lost Colby Lewis for 2 months and Darvish is still questionable. I get the feeling we could package someone like SP Chase Anderson in a Lucroy deal and get a nice return, perhaps.

I get the feeling that the Brewers don't plan on trading BOTH Lucroy and Braun this year. I'm sure they may be open to anything, but have reservations in doing such. Since Lucroy has more currnet trade value, the Brewers will more than likely trade him and keep Braun. They may be doing it so that they don't jettison their two star players and middle of the order hitters in the same season. This would certainly be to appease the casual fan. They would simply pray and hope Braun can remain productive so that they can trade him in a year or two. However, if they DID trade BOTH, the Brewers would likely be one of the top 3 worst teams in baseball the next couple of seasons. That would give them a better chance at drafting our next franchise player, picking in the top 3 of the draft vs. picking in the 7-12 pick range, IMHO. The Astros where able to turn into contenders rather quickly by picking at the top of the draft for several consecutive years. I think with new GM and former Astros front office guy, David Sterns at the helm, hardcore Brewer fans were hoping for and expecting this type of COMPLETE rebuilding course. I hope they don't go the half "butt" route and hold onto Braun because of sentimental fans weird attachment to roided up, former MVP Ryan Braun. Newsflash: He's about to exit his prime, folks. We should be thankful he's so far given us a productive, healthy age-32 season and has increased his trade value.

I agree that this is true. However, MLB owners and GMs that worry about appeasing these fans are not the ones that win World Series Championships. Brewer fans are VASTLY overrating Braun's value. I get that. He led us to our first playoff appearance in 26 years in 2008. He was in his prime. His best years are behind him and as soon as he struggles to earn his contract (could be any year now), he WILL be a lifetime Brewer because the Brewers will be stuck with him.

At this point, my guess is that the Mets match up well with the A's on a 3B Danny Valencia trade, and they can likely acquire him without giving up an MLB piece.

I get that the Mets are playing for this season and if Conforto was just a AAA player with potential and no MLB track record, it would make more sense. However, Conforto has shown flashes of being a 30+ hr, middle of the order hitter in the majors already, including during the Mets World Series run last year. I think that alone, makes the Mets prefer Conforto over Braun even without the contract differences. Why take on a 6-year contract of an aging player for a WS run when you could simply trade for one with a soon to be expiring contract?

Ryan Braun's contract details Year-Age Base Salary Signing Bonus Total Salary 2016-32 $19,000,000 $1,000,000 $20,000,000 2017-33 $19,000,000 $1,000,000 $20,000,000 2018-34 $19,000,000 $1,000,000 $20,000,000 2019-35 $18,000,000 $1,000,000 $19,000,000 2020-36 $16,000,000 $1,000,000 $17,000,000 2021-37 $15,000,000 - $15,000,000 It's nice that the Brewers front loaded this contract so that if he's still productive, the Brewers could receive something of value for him for his age 35-37 seasons. It's still a risky contract as he ages, as the injury risk goes up with age and production will start to go down as father time marches on. Michael Conforto's contract details Year Age Base Salary Total Salary 2016-23 $517,246 $517,246 2017-24 TC 2018-25 TC 2019-26 ARB 1 2020-27 ARB 2 2021-28 ARB 3 So Conforto makes league minimum for next three years, and then gets 3 years of arb as he enters his prime. During this same period of time, Braun will be entering his decline. Why would ANY team trade Conforto and his contract for Braun and his contract? An argument could easily be made that EVEN IF their contracts were EQUAL for the next 6 years, teams would still value Conforto over Braun due to age alone. You enter Braun's other baggage into the equation and it's a no-brainer that Conforto has WAY more trade value.

NO chance in heck the Brewer would be able to get Wheeler AND Conforto for Braun. Braun's contract is basically market value with considerable risk. If we asked for just Conforto for him, the Mets would say no...not happening.

Matz injury pretty much cements the fact that the Mets won't be trading any pitching. They don't have what it takes to land Lucroy otherwise, so they are simple out of the running.

I agree. Mets are not a good match. Plus I still have a bad taste in my mouth after the Gomez shenanigans. Sure glad they pulled out of that deal, but I say let's not "go there" again. There should be plenty of potential other matches for a Lucroy trade.

Jonathan Lucroy’s Realistic trade partners- Through June 15 Team Record Games out of playoff spot Current Catcher Red Sox 37-27 - Vazquez Rays 31-32 3.5 Casalli Yankees 31-34 4.5 B.McCann Indians 35-30 - Gomes Tigers 33-32 2.0 J.McCann White Sox 33-33 2.5 Flowers Rangers 41-25 - Chirinos Mariners 34-31 1.5 Ianetta Astros 32-35 4.5 Castro Nationals 41-25 - Ramos Mets 35-29 0.5 D’Anaund Cubs 44-20 - Montero Pirates 33-32 2.0 Cervelli-INJ Dodgers 35-32 1.0 Grandal Dbacks 29-39 7.5 Castillo Red Sox Potential Trade Headliner 3B Rafael Devers Second Tier Prospects of interest LHP Brian Johnson, LHP Henry Owens, LHP Trey Ball Likely Untouchables 2B Yoan Moncada, OF Andrew Benintendi, RHP Anderson Espinosa Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: I think the Red Sox will prioritize starting pitching over a catcher upgrade, as there offense is firing on all cylinders. Rays Potential Trade Headliner RHP Brent Honeywell, RHP Jacob Faria Second Tier Prospects of interest 1B Casey Gillaspie, 1B Jake Bauers, SS Daniel Robertson, RHP Taylor Guerreri, SS Willy Adames Likely Untouchables LHP Blake Snell Probability rating out of 10: 5 Comments: I don’t think the Rays will stay in the playoff race long enough to make such a bold move like acquiring Lucory. It is also a move that goes against their track record of trades. Yankees Potential Trade Headliner C Gary Sanchez Second Tier Prospects of interest OF Aaron Judge, RHP James Kaprielian, RHP Domingo Acevedo, LHP Ian Clarkin, RHP Drew Finley Likely Untouchables SS Jorge Mateo Probability rating out of 10: 3 Comments: The Yankees are the ones who are known to make bold moves like this one, and they could certainly look to use Lucroy as 1B and platoon him with McCann/DH. However, they may likely fall out of race soon and sell off one of their relievers instead of parting with young talent. Indians Potential Trade Headliner 1B Bobby Bradley, OF Bradley Zimmer Second Tier Prospects of interest LHP Rob Kaminsky, LHP Justus Sheffield, RHP Triston McKenzie, LHP Juan Hillman Likely Untouchables OF Clint Frazier, LHP Brady Aiken Probability rating out of 10: 5 Comments: The Indians could upgrade from Gomes if they are fighting for the division title. Bradley would make a nice headliner with a couple of lower level, high upside arms like Sheffield or McKenzie in the mix as well. They may be comfortable enough with Yan Gomes, their current catcher, however. Tigers Potential Trade Headliner LHP Daniel Norris Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Beau Burrows, LHP Tyler Alexander, OF Steven Moya, SS/3B JaCoby Jones Likely Untouchables No One Probability rating out of 10: 7 Comments: The Tigers are in win now mode and have a track record using their farm to make bold trade deadline moves to improve their MLB team. With a wide-open AL Central and no dominant AL club, I can see the Tigers making a play for Lucroy. White Sox Potential Trade Headliner RHP Carson Fulmer Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Spencer Adams, LHP Tyler Danish, LHP Jordan Guerrero Likely Untouchables SS Tim Anderson Probability rating out of 10: 3 Comments: The White Sox already made a play to acquire SP James Shields, so I think that it signals that they are all in to win this season. They may be hesitant to part with Fulmer though, as he may be able to help in the bullpen during a pennant race himself. The rest of their system is weak at the top. Rangers Potential Trade Headliner OF Lewis Brinson Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Luis Ortiz, RHP Dillon Tate, RHP Mike Matuella, RHP Ariel Jurado, LHP Yohander Mendez Likely Untouchables 3B/1B/OF Joey Gallo Probability rating out of 10: 6 Comments: If the Rangers were serious about acquiring Lucroy, they surely would have made a play for him after their starting catcher Robinson Chirinos was out a month due to injury. He’s heathly now and they seem happy with him. With that said, the Rangers could opt for an upgrade to Lucroy and have the prospects to likely get the job done. Mariners Potential Trade Headliner OF Tyler O’Neil Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Nick Niedert, SS Drew Jackson, C Mike Zunino, 1B DJ Peterson, OF Alex Jackson, RHP Edwin Diaz, RHP Andrew Moore Likely Untouchables No One Probability rating out of 10: 2 Comments: The Mariners could surely upgrade from Chris Iannetta behind the dish, but they seem to lack that headlining prospect that could land a player of Lucroy’s caliber. Zunino, Peterson and Jackson have all lost some prospect luster as well. Astros Potential Trade Headliner 1B AJ Reed Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Francis Martes, OF Daz Cameron, OF Derek Fisher, 3B J.D. Davis Likely Untouchables SS/3B Alex Bregman Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: The Astros after a poor start are slowly climbing back into contention. They would match up well with the Brewers in a Lucroy deal, especially with Sterns familiar with their farm system. The problem is that after getting burned in the Gomez and Giles trades, they may be somewhat gun shy. That and if AJ Reed is actually in the “untouchable” column for them, I can’t see a good headliner to land Jonathan. Nationals Potential Trade Headliner OF Victor Robles Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Reynaldo Lopez, RHP Erik Fedde, RHP Austin Voth, 3B Drew Ward Likely Untouchables RHP Lucas Giolito, SS Trea Turner Probability rating out of 10: 1 Comments: They are rolling in 1st place and are surely happy with their current catcher Wilson Ramos. However, if they decide to become players for Lucroy, they likely have some attractive pieces in their farm. However, if Sterns says the words Giolito or Turner, that click he will hear is the phone hanging up. Mets Potential Trade Headliner RHP Matt Harvey Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Zach Wheeler, 1B Dominic Smith, SS Ahmed Rosario, RHP Robert Gsellman Likely Untouchables LHP Steven Matz Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: With Wright requiring neck surgery, they may be interested in Hill as part of a potential deal. However, the Mets seem to be rolling with young, oft-injured catcher Travis D’Anaud. Despite early stuggles, they likely won’t part with Harvey and Wheeler does not have enough value to headline a Lucroy deal. Cubs Potential Trade Headliner 3B Javier Baez, OF/1B/C Kyle Schwarber Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Dylan Cease, OF Alberta Almora, RHP Duane Underwood Likely Untouchables OF Greybar Torres, OF Eloy Jimenez Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: The Cubs need zero help on offense and would likely look for pitching help at the deadline. They also just promoted top catching prospect Wilson Contreras. I think it would take a Contreras flop AND a Montero injury to get the Cubs seriously interested at this point. Pirates Potential Trade Headliner OF Austin Meadows Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Mitch Keller, 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, RHP Yeudy Garcia, LHP Steven Brault Likely Untouchables RHP Tyler Glasnow, RHP Jameson Taillon Probability rating out of 10: 2 Comments: Pirates C Cervelli is on the DL, but should be back. If he has any setbacks and the Pirates get hot, they could be players for Lucroy. However, with the Cubs running away with the division, it’s hard to see them giving up a lot of talent for right to lose the Wild Card game again. Dodgers Potential Trade Headliner RHP Jose De Leon, RHP Grant Holmes Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Walker Buehler, OF/1B Cody Bellinger, OF Alex Verdugo, RHP Brock Stewart, RHP Frankie Montas, 2B Willie Calhoun Likely Untouchables LHP Julio Urias, RHP Yadiel Alvarez Probability rating out of 10: 8 Comments: The Dodgers can’t waste many more years of Kershaw’s prime and have the farm to match up well with the Brewers via trade. They have Grandal and Barnes at C but I can see them being aggressive this year if they can stay neck and neck with the Giants for the NL West. Diamondbacks Potential Trade Headliner 3B/2B Brandon Drury Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Braden Shipley, OF/1B Pete O’Brien, LHP Alex Young, LHP Cody Reed Likely Untouchables No One with Dave Stewart at the helm! Probability rating out of 10: 1 Comments: The Diamondbacks would need to catch fire in the next month to get back into contender status. If it happens, Dave Stewart should be on Sterns speed dial. Realistically, the Dbacks will become sellers themselves and look to move players like Castillo/Ziegler. Conclusion: Based off my analysis, the Dodgers, Tigers, Rangers, Rays and Indians match up best for a potential trade for Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy before this years July 31st trade deadline. A dark horse candidate could emerge, but hopefully the market for Luc is flush with potential suitors. ----- Continued from: viewtopic.php?p=989587#p989587 Original Lead: viewtopic.php?f=66&t=33647

That's just nitpicking, isn't it?

Thanks guys. If Brewers can land any of the players listed as "likely untouchable" then Sterns will deserve kudos as a young GM who played his cards right.

I do like C Kevin Plawecki Realistic Proposal Mets get C Jonathan Lucroy 3b Aaron Hill Brewers get RHP Zach Wheeler 1b Dominic Smith C Kevin Plawecki RHP Rafael Montero RHP Robert Gsellman Hoping the Brewers get a better offer from other org than this as its more quantity over quality.

Steven Matz is more of an untouchable than a Giolito or Urias via trade. He has already shown dominant success at the MLB level. Zero chance the Mets trade him. You could add Arcia and Phillips along with Lucroy and the Mets would still hang up laughing.

Jonathan Lucroy’s Realistic trade partners- Through June 15 Team Record Games out of playoff spot Current Catcher Red Sox 37-27 - Vazquez Rays 31-32 3.5 Casalli Yankees 31-34 4.5 B.McCann Indians 35-30 - Gomes Tigers 33-32 2.0 J.McCann White Sox 33-33 2.5 Flowers Rangers 41-25 - Chirinos Mariners 34-31 1.5 Ianetta Astros 32-35 4.5 Castro Nationals 41-25 - Ramos Mets 35-29 0.5 D’Anaund Cubs 44-20 - Montero Pirates 33-32 2.0 Cervelli-INJ Dodgers 35-32 1.0 Grandal Dbacks 29-39 7.5 Castillo Red Sox Potential Trade Headliner 3B Rafael Devers Second Tier Prospects of interest LHP Brian Johnson, LHP Henry Owens, LHP Trey Ball Likely Untouchables 2B Yoan Moncada, OF Andrew Benintendi, RHP Anderson Espinosa Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: I think the Red Sox will prioritize starting pitching over a catcher upgrade, as there offense is firing on all cylinders. Rays Potential Trade Headliner RHP Brent Honeywell, RHP Jacob Faria Second Tier Prospects of interest 1B Casey Gillaspie, 1B Jake Bauers, SS Daniel Robertson, RHP Taylor Guerreri, SS Willy Adames Likely Untouchables LHP Blake Snell Probability rating out of 10: 5 Comments: I don’t think the Rays will stay in the playoff race long enough to make such a bold move like acquiring Lucory. It is also a move that goes against their track record of trades. Yankees Potential Trade Headliner C Gary Sanchez Second Tier Prospects of interest OF Aaron Judge, RHP James Kaprielian, RHP Domingo Acevedo, LHP Ian Clarkin, RHP Drew Finley Likely Untouchables SS Jorge Mateo Probability rating out of 10: 3 Comments: The Yankees are the ones who are known to make bold moves like this one, and they could certainly look to use Lucroy as 1B and platoon him with McCann/DH. However, they may likely fall out of race soon and sell off one of their relievers instead of parting with young talent. Indians Potential Trade Headliner 1B Bobby Bradley, OF Bradley Zimmer Second Tier Prospects of interest LHP Rob Kaminsky, LHP Justus Sheffield, RHP Triston McKenzie, LHP Juan Hillman Likely Untouchables OF Clint Frazier, LHP Brady Aiken Probability rating out of 10: 5 Comments: The Indians could upgrade from Gomes if they are fighting for the division title. Bradley would make a nice headliner with a couple of lower level, high upside arms like Sheffield or McKenzie in the mix as well. They may be comfortable enough with Yan Gomes, their current catcher, however. Tigers Potential Trade Headliner LHP Daniel Norris Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Beau Burrows, LHP Tyler Alexander, OF Steven Moya, SS/3B JaCoby Jones Likely Untouchables No One Probability rating out of 10: 7 Comments: The Tigers are in win now mode and have a track record using their farm to make bold trade deadline moves to improve their MLB team. With a wide-open AL Central and no dominant AL club, I can see the Tigers making a play for Lucroy. White Sox Potential Trade Headliner RHP Carson Fulmer Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Spencer Adams, LHP Tyler Danish, LHP Jordan Guerrero Likely Untouchables SS Tim Anderson Probability rating out of 10: 3 Comments: The White Sox already made a play to acquire SP James Shields, so I think that it signals that they are all in to win this season. They may be hesitant to part with Fulmer though, as he may be able to help in the bullpen during a pennant race himself. The rest of their system is weak at the top. Rangers Potential Trade Headliner OF Lewis Brinson Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Luis Ortiz, RHP Dillon Tate, RHP Mike Matuella, RHP Ariel Jurado, LHP Yohander Mendez Likely Untouchables 3B/1B/OF Joey Gallo Probability rating out of 10: 6 Comments: If the Rangers were serious about acquiring Lucroy, they surely would have made a play for him after their starting catcher Robinson Chirinos was out a month due to injury. He’s heathly now and they seem happy with him. With that said, the Rangers could opt for an upgrade to Lucroy and have the prospects to likely get the job done. Mariners Potential Trade Headliner OF Tyler O’Neil Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Nick Niedert, SS Drew Jackson, C Mike Zunino, 1B DJ Peterson, OF Alex Jackson Likely Untouchables No One Probability rating out of 10: 2 Comments: The Mariners could surely upgrade from Chris Iannetta behind the dish, but they seem to lack that headlining prospect that could land a player of Lucroy’s caliber. Zunino, Peterson and Jackson have all lost some prospect luster as well. Astros Potential Trade Headliner 1B AJ Reed Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Francis Martes, OF Daz Cameron, OF Derek Fisher, 3B J.D. Davis Likely Untouchables SS/3B Alex Bregman Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: The Astros after a poor start are slowly climbing back into contention. They would match up well with the Brewers in a Lucroy deal, especially with Sterns familiar with their farm system. The problem is that after getting burned in the Gomez and Giles trades, they may be somewhat gun shy. That and if AJ Reed is actually in the “untouchable” column for them, I can’t see a good headliner to land Jonathan. Nationals Potential Trade Headliner OF Victor Robles Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Reynaldo Lopez, RHP Erik Fedde, RHP Austin Voth, 3B Drew Ward Likely Untouchables RHP Lucas Giolito, SS Trea Turner Probability rating out of 10: 1 Comments: They are rolling in 1st place and are surely happy with their current catcher Wilson Ramos. However, if they decide to become players for Lucroy, they likely have some attractive pieces in their farm. However, if Sterns says the words Giolito or Turner, that click he will hear is the phone hanging up. Mets Potential Trade Headliner RHP Matt Harvey Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Zach Wheeler, 1B Dominic Smith, SS Ahmed Rosario, RHP Robert Gsellman Likely Untouchables LHP Steven Matz Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: With Wright requiring neck surgery, they may be interested in Hill as part of a potential deal. However, the Mets seem to be rolling with young, oft-injured catcher Travis D’Anaud. Despite early stuggles, they likely won’t part with Harvey and Wheeler is not good enough to headline a Lucroy deal. Cubs Potential Trade Headliner 3B Javier Baez, OF/1B/C Kyle Schwarber Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Dylan Cease, OF Alberta Almora, RHP Duane Underwood Likely Untouchables OF Greybar Torres, OF Eloy Jimenez Probability rating out of 10: 4 Comments: The Cubs need zero help on offense and would likely look for pitching help at the deadline. They also just promoted top catching prospect Wilson Contreras. I think it would take a Contreras flop AND a Montero injury to get the Cubs seriously interested at this point. Pirates Potential Trade Headliner OF Austin Meadows Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Mitch Keller, 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, RHP Yeudy Garcia, LHP Steven Brault Likely Untouchables RHP Tyler Glasnow, RHP Jameson Taillon Probability rating out of 10: 2 Comments: Pirates C Cervelli is on the DL, but should be back. If he has any setbacks and the Pirates get hot, they could be players for Lucroy. However, with the Cubs running away with the division, it’s hard to see them giving up a lot of talent for right to lose the Wild Card game again. Dodgers Potential Trade Headliner RHP Jose De Leon, RHP Grant Holmes Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Walker Buehler, OF/1B Cody Bellinger, OF Alex Verdugo, RHP Frankie Montas, 2B Willie Calhoun Likely Untouchables LHP Julio Urias, RHP Yadiel Alvarez Probability rating out of 10: 8 Comments: The Dodgers can’t waste many more years of Kershaw’s prime and have the farm to match up well with the Brewers via trade. They have Grandal and Barnes at C but I can see them being aggressive this year if they can stay neck and neck with the Giants for the NL West. Diamondbacks Potential Trade Headliner 3B/2B Brandon Drury Second Tier Prospects of interest RHP Braden Shipley, OF/1B Pete O’Brien, LHP Alex Young, LHP Cody Reed Likely Untouchables No One with Dave Stewart at the helm! Probability rating out of 10: 1 Comments: The Diamondbacks would need to catch fire in the next month to get back into contender status. If it happens, Dave Stewart should be on Sterns speed dial. Realistically, the Dbacks will become sellers themselves and look to move players like Castillo/Ziegler. Conclusion: Based off my analysis, the Dodgers, Tigers, Rangers, Rays and Indians match up best for a potential trade for Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy before this years July 31st trade deadline. A dark horse candidate could emerge, but hopefully the market for Luc is flush with potential suitors.

Nelson may be our best starter, but he is by no means considered a #1 starter by any other organization. He'd be considered a #3 at best.

So you think the Brewers could still land the Red Sox untouchable prospects Devers and Espinosa....all they have to do is trade Lucroy for Matt Harvey and then flip him? Lol creative wishful thinking but pretty unrealistic.

Could you give some examples of potential main pieces you do like?

2015 Baseball America Top 100 Prospects....Daniel Norris was ranked #18 overall. I think he would still count as a Top 50 prospects at the very least. add in RHP Beau Burrows as a Top 100 prospect and I think the Tigers would at least be a plausible trade partner for Lucroy, IMO.

A year ago Daniel Norris was the headliner in a trade for David Price. A half season of an ACE starter is more valuable to a contender than 1 1/2 of an all star catcher IMHO. Hard to see us getting a deal worth 3x as much as just Daniel Norris for Luc.