Indians Trade Talk: 5 Catchers The Tribe Should Acquire Not Named Lucroy

In Indians trade talk, Factory of Sadness writer Joe Russo takes a look at catchers the Indians should add that aren’t named Jonathan Lucroy.

Jonathan Lucroy has been a popular named bandied about as a trade target for the Indians as the deadline rapidly approaches.

The Brewers catcher is easily the best backstop available, but he might not be available at a price the Tribe front office is willing to pay. Who else is out there that might fit within the Cleveland budget? There are a few, in no particular order.

1) Kurt Suzuki, Minnesota Twins

The 32-year old veteran has had a very good season for the Twins even if the Twins have had such a horrid season, they fired legendary General Manager Terry Ryan. He may not hit for a lot of power, but he is hitting .288 and starting nearly every day.

He is also not locked into a contract after the 2016 season, giving the Indians a stop gap option that will not break the bank in terms of minor league prospects.

2) David Ross, Chicago Cubs

The future is now for Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, pushing Ross out of the rotation even as Miguel Montero is a better back up for Joe Maddon. Ross still is a top ten catcher this season in terms of WAR with a 1.6 mark. He is well past his prime at 39 and is not a long term option, but the Indians don’t want to pay the price of a long term option. Ross doesn’t necessarily move the needle with the bat, but he is a pro’s pro and is a good defensive catcher.

3) Tyler Flowers, Atlanta Braves

One of two veteran catchers the Braves might look to unload as they go full tank mode in 2016, Flowers has played most of his career in the AL Central. Unlike most of the others on this list, he is signed through 2017 at about $2.6 million. Despite playing for the worst team in baseball, Flowers is having a career year hitting .253 / .343 / .425 on the season, which would easily be an upgrade at the position for the Indians. Flowers certainly won’t cost much as the Braves would be more than happy to offload a veteran that is not part of the future.

4) Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies

Another aging veteran being pushed by a younger catcher, Ruiz has a World Series ring already and could help mentor an mostly inexperienced team through the playoffs. He is hitting .240 in 35 games and 141 plate appearances on the season, but  much like others on the list his team is going nowhere. The Phillies would certainly have to eat some money to move Ruiz, but might be willing to take a huge chunk of his contract back in order to free up the depth chart for the future as Ruiz is not signed past the current season.

5) Chris Herrmann, Arizona Diamondbacks

Even though he is currently on the DL with a hamstring issue, Herrmann is the type of versatile player Terry Francona loves. Like Chris Gimenez, Herrmann has played all over the field including catcher, first base, and both corner outfield spots. He is not a very good first baseman, but he is an adequate catcher. Unfortunately for him, Welington Castillo is ahead of Herrmann on the depth chart. Castillo is having a great season and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.

Next: Indians Trade Rumor: Cody Anderson, Francisco Mejia For Andrew Miller?

Tuffy Gosewisch is poised to be a longer term option behind the dish as well, making Herrmann expendable for the underperforming D’Backs. Aside from versatility, Herrmann is slashing .290 / .350 / .503 on the season and previously played in Minnesota, giving him plenty of experience in the division.