Fansided

Ryan Braun trade rumors: Dodgers still intrigued

By Brad Berreman

Apr 1, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) reacts after striking out in the fourth inning during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) reacts after striking out in the fourth inning during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Milwaukee Brewers are off to a solid start this season, but Ryan Braun may still be on the move at some point.

The Milwaukee Brewers are starting to show some signs of progress, with a 5-5 record entering Friday’s action, but trade rumors surrounding outfield Ryan Braun are not going away. A deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly nearly got done at last year’s August 31 waiver trade deadline, involving Yasiel Puig going the other way, but time simply ran out.

The Dodgers’ struggles against left-handed pitching have continued early this season, so a need for someone like Braun remains. The San Francisco Giants need better offensive production from left field themselves, but the Dodgers may have the upper hand on their arch-rival in any push to trade for Braun.

According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Dodgers and Brewers remain in contact regarding a trade for Braun. He has a no-trade clause, but the Dodgers are one of six teams that Braun can be dealt to without his permission right now. But that is in line to change on May 24, when Braun will gain 10 years of major league service time and the full no-trade clause that comes with gaining 10-and-5 rights.

Braun lives in California, so the Dodgers may be a preferred destination if the Brewers want to move him. He spoke further with Morosi about his no-trade clause and the relationship he has with Brewers’ decision makers.

"“Last year, [the no-trade clause] was relatively significant, because the trade almost happened and there were conversations about how we would address that,” Braun told MLB.com on Wednesday. “Other than that, I don’t think it’s really going to be much of a factor at all. I have such a great relationship with [Brewers owner] Mark Attanasio, [general manager] David Stearns and [assistant general manager] Matt Arnold. We’re all really on the same page when it comes to my situation."

"“Obviously, things can change. Circumstances can change. Who knows where the future takes us? But I don’t foresee [the no-trade protection] having much of an impact on anything moving forward, just because of my relationship with Mark, David and Matt.”"

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Counting this season, Braun has at least four years and $76 million left on his contract ($4 million buyout for 2021).

At 33 years old that has to be factor for any team with interest in trading for him, particularly with the prospect of not being able to capably play left field for much longer. But having a higher payroll has generally not been an issue for the Dodgers, and if they want Braun they’ll surely find a way to keep the Brewers engaged in trade talks.

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