Report: Braves inquired on Brewers' Jonathan Lucroy; were told he is unavailable

With the Braves being unimpressed by catcher Christian Bethancourt's performance this season, both offensively and defensively, journeyman A.J. Pierzynski has been getting many of the starts behind the plate. Thus, executives in Atlanta took to the phones to look for an upgrade at backstop. 

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Braves inquired on Brewers' star catcher Jonathan Lucroy. However, Milwaukee said that Lucroy was unavailable, even though they will not be contending this year following a 16-27 start. 

This exchange between the Braves and Brewers is particularly interesting for two reasons. First, the Braves inquiry of Lucroy could mean that they possibly are buyers, even though they dealt many of their veterans away during the offseason to rebuild. Second, the fact that the Brewers weren't even willing to listen on Lucroy could mean that they may not be fully ready to sell. 

Lucroy is under contract through next season with a team option for 2017 on an extremely team-friendly deal, so perhaps the Braves or Brewers believe they could contend before his contract is up. If he continues to play like he has, Lucroy's trade value will be just as high next trade season as it is this trade season due to the extra year of team control. Perhaps the Brewers just aren't ready to part with him quite yet, which is totally acceptable. 

Lucroy has played in just 12 games this season and has been out since April 20 due to a fractured toe. Last season, Lucroy slashed .301/.373/.465/.837 with 13 homers and 69 runs batted in en route to his first career All-Star appearance. 

--Devan Fink

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