As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, we take a look at the hottest news and rumors:
THE RUMOR: The Twins are “closely monitoring” the market for catchers, including A.J. Pierzynski, Derek Norris, Jonathan Lucroy and Alex Avila.
MORE RUMORS: Justin Upton | David Price | Jonathan Papelbon
REPORTED BY: St. Paul Pioneer Press
THE DETAILS: Since signing a two-year, $12 million extension at the end of July last season, Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki has failed to live up to expectations. He finished 2014 batting .248/.290/.366 and is currently batting a dismal .227/.283/.303 through 73 games this season. With the Twins in the hunt for a wild card spot, it's time for an upgrade.
THIS SEASON: Pierzynski may be 38 years old but the veteran is batting .280/.316/.432 on a one-year contract with the Braves. Norris and Lucroy were 2014 All-Stars but have seen a drop in production this season, .231/.278./.401 and .243/.308/.337, respectively. Avila, like Lucroy, has spent time on the disabled list this season which may be to blame for his .192/.333/.293 production.
OUR TAKE: Pierzynski is the easy short-term answer for the Twins, who currently own the top wild card spot with the slumping Astros. Norris and Lucroy would be long-term answers, with Lucroy being the more affordable contract-wise. The Brewers backstop is earning $3 million this season and $4 million in 2016 with a $5.25 million club option for the 2017. Although Avila was an All-Star in 2011, he has been on a slide since and at this point wouldn't prove to be much of an upgrade from Suzuki.
What the Twins need is a solid defensive catcher who can produce at the plate against right-handers. As a team, the Twins own a .305 on-base percentage against right-handed pitchers, the lowest among playoff contenders. Out of the catchers listed, Lucroy owns the highest stolen base percentage this season and sports a great .352 OBP against right-handers the last two full seasons. With the Brewers in full fire-sale mode, Lucroy is a great option for Minnesota.