After news broke last week that Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy had blocked a proposed trade to the Indians, Cleveland fans had some questions.
In a letter published on ESPN's website Friday, the player gave some answers.
Ultimately, he said, the fact that the Indians couldn't promise him a catching position was "the deal killer."
He wrote, in part:
Cleveland fans don't like that part, but it's nothing against them. it wasn't personal. If anything, I have even more respect for the Indians because of Antonetti's honesty. He could have lied to my agent and said I'd play catcher every day next season. But he didn't. He told the truth. I'm thankful for that. My decision not to go to Cleveland had nothing to do with the team, but it had everything to do with my future in this game. It was an economic decision. Period. I have to look out for my family's best interests and my interests as a catcher who'd be going into 2018 not having played my position the previous year. I am a catcher. I've been catching since I was 12 years old. I love being behind the plate, being involved in the game from that perspective. I love every part of that. I'm not changing positions for anybody. I don't care who it is. My value is as a catcher, and I know it.
