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Washington Nationals: Five catchers that should be targeted

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: Matt Wieters #32 of the Washington Nationals tags out Chris Iannetta #22 of the Colorado Rockies who tried to score on Ian Desmond #20 (not pictured) ground ball in the fifth inning during a baseball game at Nationals Park on April 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 12: Matt Wieters #32 of the Washington Nationals tags out Chris Iannetta #22 of the Colorado Rockies who tried to score on Ian Desmond #20 (not pictured) ground ball in the fifth inning during a baseball game at Nationals Park on April 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Jonathan Lucroy
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 10: Jonathan Lucroy #21 of the Oakland Athletics hits an rbi single scoring Mark Canha #20 against the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the second inning at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum on June 10, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Lucroy – Oakland Athletics

Another catcher with just one year on his deal is Jonathan Lucroy of the Oakland Athletics. If he gets dealt, then it’ll be the third season in a row he’s been traded before the trade deadline.

One of the most highly sought after trade targets in 2016, the Texas Rangers dealt a wealth of prospects to the Milwaukee Brewers for him. This time around though, he won’t cost anywhere near as much.

Lucroy had a career year in 2016, batting .292 with 24 home runs and led catchers in WAR with 4.6. In 2018 however, while the batting average remains OK, the power has evaporated with just one long ball.

Thankfully, the Washington Nationals aren’t short of home runs, they just need a semi-productive bat at catcher. The Nats also touched base with Lucroy before he signed with the A’s, so they at least like what he brings to the table.

You’ll also remember these two teams were trade partners last season when the Nats acquired Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson. There’s a rapport there, and it could be exercised again.

In terms of prospect cost, Lucroy has fairly little value, so perhaps Jackson Reetz and a lesser prospect could work. Reetz fits the A’s philosophy with more walks than strikeouts so far with the Potomac Nationals, and be a long-term replacement at catcher.

Lucroy would be a big upgrade at catcher, and if he channels his 2016 form, he could be an absolute steal. Just don’t count on that Lucroy, and closer to the high average, and a low pop guy we see now.

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