Cleveland Indians Trade Watch: Jonathan Lucroy, Ryan Braun, Will Smith, Tyler Thornberg

It’s been a busy 24-hours in Cleveland Indians trade talk, as Milwaukee Brewers players Jonathan Lucroy, Will Smith and Tyler Thornburg have all been linked to the Tribe. There’s even an internet rumor of Ryan Braun being a “cherry on top.”

In Cleveland Indians trade rumors, an intriguing tweet suggested Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun may be the cherry on top of a deal that sends Jonathan Lucroy to Cleveland.

It’s been well reported by now, the Cleveland Indians are in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers to acquire catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

But wonder if the Tribe sets their sights a little bigger, to become, far-and-away, the best team competing for the AL pennant?

Acquiring outfielder Ryan Braun would make the Indians World Series favorites as MLB teams head into the dog days of summer.

I bring up Braun’s name because of this rumor circulating Twitter.

Yes, it’s a rumor from Twitter, and if we all had a nickel from tweets spreading rumors, we’d all own a professional sports team by now. For what it’s worth, @incareratedbob points out that the Braun portion of the trade is not close to happening.

I can envision the Tribe acquiring Lucroy, but if any other players are to be included in a trade, it’s more likely the front office brings in some bullpen help.

With this in mind, it wouldn’t be crazy to see the Brewers deal Braun somewhere. His contract is handcuffing an organization in need of a long rebuild.

Thinking of Braun in an Indians uniform is almost too crazy to imagine. Thankfully, my Indians front office has given me firm lessons in fiscal responsibility over the better part of the last two decades.

The front office says money won’t be a deterrent to adding the right players before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, but there’s just no way the Tribe takes on a 32-year-old Braun, who will have four years and $76 million left on his contract when the 2017 season commences.

Braun, who infamously got popped for PEDs following a 2012 NL MVP season, is batting .313 in 2016, with 13 homers and 44 RBIs. That’s good production…but now $20 million per season production.

While Braun would be the cherry on top, Indians fans need to start going on Lucroy watch. He’s affordable, a veteran catcher, and brings a right-handed bat to the lineup, as he’s batting .305 average with12 home runs and 45 RBIs.

But don’t hold your breath…

Paul Hoynes, the Tribe’s beat writer for Cleveland.com, published a conflicting report that said the Indians are happy with their catchers.

“Chris Antonetti says he’s not looking for an upgrade at catcher even though starter Yan Gomes could be lost for the season after separating his right shoulder Sunday against the Twins.” Hoynes wrote.

If the Indians aren’t talking to the Brewers about Lucroy, the team is talking to the Brew crew about left-handed reliever Will Smith and righty set-up man Tyler Thornburg.

Smith is 1-2 with a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings pitched. He’s struck out 16, walked six and allowed four earned runs. Opposing batters are hitting .167 against him.

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Thornberg has appeared in 39 games, posting a 2.39 ERA. He’s struck out 52 and walked 13 in 37 2/3 innings. The opposition is hitting .170 against him.