MLB Trade Deadline: 15 biggest names on the market
7. Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
There are a few reasons for teams to be wary of trading for Braun, from his past PED scandals to his massive contract. Still, he could provide a nice boost to a contender if Milwaukee is willing to eat a large portion of the $76 million guaranteed over four years remaining on his deal after this year.
Milwaukee has quietly done a great job since starting a long rebuild last year, as new GM David Stearns has assembled one of the top farm systems in all of baseball. The Brewers look like the clear winners of last year’s Carlos Gomez trade (which came under the previous front office), and have two more big names to trade, including Braun.
Braun won the NL MVP in 2011 with a 171 wRC+ season per FanGraphs, and followed that up with a 7.3 WAR campaign the next year. Since then, Braun has regressed offensively while playing through injuries, and was suspended for much of the 2013 season due to PED use.
Fortunately for the Brewers, Braun is having a resurgent season at the plate, which should help the team move his big contract. Braun has a 140 wRC+ through 258 plate appearances, and is not a complete liability on defense like some other corner outfielders on the market.
One thing that could complicate matters is Braun’s no-trade clause, as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that he would only accept a deal to six teams back in May.
Teams that can trade for Braun freely have changed; I had wrong list yesterday. List now is LAA, LAD, MIA, AZ, SD, SF. Can block other 23.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 1, 2016
San Francisco is the only reasonable trade partner on that list, and has already shown some interest in Braun. The Giants could afford to give Milwaukee a strong prospect plus other pieces, if the Brewers do indeed take on some salary.
Next: 6. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies