Report: Rangers out on Lucroy, targeting Norris

The Texas Rangers have their sights on a new catcher.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal said the Rangers "probably" won't be one of the teams in the mix for Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, and instead are reportedly talking to the San Diego Padres about Derek Norris' availability.

Rosenthal noted that Norris is a "near-lock" to be moved, with other teams also showing interest. Additionally, the Rangers and Padres had extensive talks in spring training regarding Norris, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

The Rangers have the best record in the American League, and are looking to add a few pieces ahead of Monday's trade deadline. Their focus appears to be adding a pitcher, but with current backstop Robinson Chirinos struggling to create much offense, the search for a replacement seems to be high on their list.

Norris, 27, is in the midst of his worst statistical season to date, slashing .196/.256/.365 with only one hit in the past 23 games. There are reasons for optimism, though, as he's hitting the ball at the hardest rate of his career at 36.5 per cent, according to FanGraphs.

Norris, who will be a free agent at season's end, said Friday that it's difficult not to think about the rumors surrounding his future.

"I think, lack of a better word, it sucks, but it's part of the game. I've been traded twice but never during the season, so it's tough," he said. "At the same time, when one person leaves, it makes room for another guy to come in and make a name for themselves, so that's obviously the direction they seem to be going right now."