Rockies catcher Jonathan Lucroy, acquired just six weeks ago at the deadline, has fit in well with his new team, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post writes. With the open market beckoning at season’s end, Lucroy says he’d “absolutely” have interest in re-joining the organization as a free agent.
The 31-year-old Lucroy noted that he’s not yet thinking in earnest about his next contract. But he also emphasized that he intends to consider quite a bit more than salary in making his choice. “As a free agent, you look at a lot of things,” he tells Saunders. “I look at things even more than money. I want to know what teams are going to be in there. … I want to contribute to a playoff team.”
Lucroy has turned things around at the plate somewhat after a rough stretch to open the year with the Rangers. He’s batting .274/.388/.400 through 116 plate appearances in Colorado, which equates to roughly league-average production when ballpark effects are taken into account. While the power hasn’t quite come around, Lucroy has recorded more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) since changing uniforms.
It seems Lucroy has had an even greater impact with the catching gear on. Manager Bud Black and members of the pitching staff credit his overall impact as a defender and leader behind the plate. Lucroy has also shown much-improved framing numbers, though it’s still quite a small sample and he remains below-average in an area he once excelled.
Understandably, neither Lucroy nor the Rockies are thinking too hard about the future at the moment. The club is busy fending off challengers to its hold on the second National League Wild Card slot, though it remains in solid position with just over two weeks left in the regular season. Like Lucroy, GM Jeff Bridich says the team isn’t “focused on that right now,” but also expressed satisfaction with the veteran backstop.
When he does hit free agency, Lucroy figures to represent an interesting player to watch. Entering the year, it seemed possible he’d challenge for a five-year contract of the sort that Russell Martin landed a few years back with the Blue Jays. Expectations have certainly trended down, though Lucroy still figures to command a solid, multi-year deal. He’ll face market competition from players such as Welington Castillo and Alex Avila.
I love these articles. Why wouldn’t he say he’s interested? Show him the money and anyone would interest him
Exactly. That and has any player since the advent of free agency said they had no interest in coming back to the team they were currently on?
I had the same thoughts! No kidding he is interested. After he has dropped off in almost every category, he should be interested in any team. A declining old catcher, good luck landing your dream destination & contract.
He literally turned down the trade to the Indians because he wouldn’t get ABs at catcher and that would affect his payday when he became a FA. Now that he is awful, all of a sudden there is more than just money. lol ok Luc.
Or it’s because he’s a natural catcher…?
he couldve easily rotated between catcher and 1st just like he did in MIL, albeit he would be playing catcher less. The point is he turned that down, even though he wants to “contribute for a playoff team” because he was focused on how much MONEY he would lose by not playing catcher full time heading into free agency.
Educate yourself please…
in the statement Lucroy himself released last year after rejecting the trade, he said “it was an economic decision”. So please, go educate yourself.
ohhhhh snapppp
He actually wanted his club-option to be rejected at the end of the season. The main reason why he didn’t waive his no-trade clause.
Because they told him he was going to be a backup C and 1B/DH, why would he want to stay?
They did not tell him that, they just would not commit to telling him he was the starting catcher. There is a difference, and shame in the Tribe for being too honest.
And shame on these players that claim they’re playing for the love of the game and a shot at a ring and when handed a very good opportunity to go to a contender veto the deal. It turned out to be the best deal never made for Cleveland as they were giving up way too much talent in retrospect.
He only cares about the money. Blocking a trade to Cleveland last year because he wasn’t confident enough in his own ability is reason for me to believe that.
Why are indians fans so triggered about that? You realize him blocking the trade was the best thing to happen to the indians. Mejia would have been gone
I know, right? It’s so surprising that nobody wants to go to Cleveland?
Or apparently watch a game. Surprised at the small turnouts during this fantastic win streak.
That’s not true at all. The Indians were going to give his natural spot to inferior players. That’s exactly why you negotiate a no trade into your contract
They negotiate that same no-trade clause to desirable teams and locations just because it is a bargaining chip. I guarantee you there are players out there with LA/NY/CHI teams on their list.
His no trade clause included the following 8 teams:
Twins, Angels, Athletics, Padres, Mariners, Nationals and, most interestingly, the Indians and Tigers.
So yeah 3 California teams including LA and San Diego, DC and Seattle. Who would want to play in any of those places? :/
Do you worry more about the company you work for or the paycheck you bring home? Just a tip, you are lying if you say the company.
Hey hiflew
The reason your comment is so useless is because of the difference between your $11.00 an hour job and someone who has already banked MILLIONS of dollars and is sitting on free agency, at which time they are going to receive TENS OF MILLIONS of dollars.
Reality is a nice place to live.
Baseball is a business. Yeah, they wanna win. But they have an overwhelming responsibility to take care of themselves and their families financially. When I was young and a homer, I thought loyalty to the organization above all else was what I wanted from my favorite players. He’d be foolish not to take the best offer 1st, and then if all offers are similar consider all other factors like loyalty, playing time, quality of life, etc.
I can’t at Indians fans still being mad about Lucroy blocking a trade to them. Like, how dare he want to stay in his natural position that he has played since he was a kid and would get more money in free agency if teams see him as playing that position.
Not impressed with him so far in Colorado. Only a very slight upgrade from Wolters. Lucroy’s offensive contributions are minimal, and he is an 8th place hitter as was Wolters. Salary demands will determine his future in Colorado.
J Luc is batting a steamy-hot .251 with 5 HRs and 35 Ribs… in Colorado thats not saying much. He might want to hit a little better before getting interested in any team.
Perfect fit for the red sox though!