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MLB Trade Rumors: Chicago Cubs targeting Ryan Braun?

By John Buhler

Sep 5, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun (8) reacts after striking out in the fifth inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun (8) reacts after striking out in the fifth inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 Chicago Cubs are an absolute juggernaut in the National League Central, but could they be in the market for rival Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun?

The 2016 Chicago Cubs are crushing teams in the early part of the season. Chicago holds the best record in baseball through 30 games at 24-6, a full 7.5 games ahead of the 17-14 Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Central.

While it could very well be the year that the Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat and end their 107-year World Series Championship drought, there is one hole on their team that general manager Theo Epstein may need to fill for eccentric manager Joe Maddon: left field now that promising young star Kyle Schwarber is out for the season.

According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, the Cubs may look to upgrade their lack of production in left field after the Schwarber injury and Jorge Soler’s inability to hit consistently at the Major League level, “options include: Carlos Gonzalez, Jay Bruce, Nick Markakis, Ryan Braun, and Josh Reddick.

Given that Braun has actually played left field before and the Cubs front office is very familiar with his inherent skill set from years of great play with the National League Central Division rival Milwaukee Brewers, Braun seems like the best fit of those five trade targets to fill the Cubs’ temporary void in left field.

Gonzalez will probably cost the Cubs the most, as the Colorado Rockies continue to build their dynamic farm system. Bruce has built a career on being a streaky power hitter for the National League Central Division rival Cincinnati Reds, not exactly worth the mid-season boom or bust acquisition. Markakis is great defensively for the Atlanta Braves, but offers no power whatsoever at the plate. Reddick does offer intrigue coming over from the Oakland Athletics, but doesn’t have the star power of a Braun.

With Milwaukee putting together a solid farm system the last two years, the Brewer may be willing to part ways with their former face of the franchise in Braun, even if it is to the best team in their own division. Braun to the Cubs, for better or worse, would absolutely be a high-profile blockbuster trade should the Cubs and Brewers strike up a deal.

For more MLB trade rumors, please check out our MLB trade rumors category page.

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