Boston Red Sox Reportedly Closing in on Deal With Catcher Jonathan Lucroy
By Adam Weinrib
The Boston Red Sox are no-doubt believers in Christian Vazquez's 2019 breakout season, but they're doing their due diligence in shoring up the position after losing Sandy Leon this offseason.
After adding Kevin Plawecki to the 40-man earlier in the winter, it appears Boston is content to add to their catching corps further, reportedly nearing a deal with former All-Star Jonathan Lucroy.
Sources: Red Sox close to deal with catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 18, 2020
Depth option behind Vazquez, Plawecki. Likely a minor league deal.
Lucroy isn't the picture of health at the moment, which explains why it's taken until this moment for him to ink a deal -- he had major neck surgery earlier this offseason, though he believes he's 100% prepared to contribute to a winning campaign at this point.
Lucroy had major neck surgery — disc relacement — early in offseason and is said to feel 100 percent better. Was working out 4 days after operation. Been bothering him a couple years. Could be great signing for Red Sox.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2020
A two-time All-Star at the peak of his powers with the Brewers, Lucroy has broken down in recent years, splitting his 2019 season between the Angels and Cubs at age 33, hitting .232.
In many ways, his year was more clearly defined by the nasty collision he got into at home plate with then-Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick.
Boston hopes they really are catching a fully healthy option on the mend -- you could do far worse at backstop than a comfortable Lucroy.