Mets’ David Stearns faces backlash over past trade deadline move that left All-Star fuming

The 2016 trade deadline left Cleveland Guardians fans furious at Jonathan Lucroy . For years, the narrative was simple — a star catcher rejected a trade to a World Series contender, end of story. On an appearance on ”To The Majors," Lucroy finally told the full story, and it reveals a front office power play that changes everything about how you see that decision.

Lucroy, a two-time All-Star, had a no-trade clause built into his contract with Milwaukee — specifically, an 18-team list of destinations he had the right to block. Cleveland was on that list. Not out of disrespect for the franchise or the city, but for strategic reasons that any agent or player would understand: roster fit, playing time, and protecting his value heading into free agency.

It was a business decision, just like the ones front offices make every single day. The Brewers — led at the time by David Stearns, now president of baseball operations for the Mets — knew the list. They agreed to the list.

And according to Lucroy, they had even been told upfront: if you’re targeting a team on that no-trade, come to us first. Work something out. There’s room for a conversation.