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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Ryan Braun and Jeremy Jeffress to the San Francisco Giants

The Brewers have done a great job of assembling a strong farm system over the past year, and can really establish a path towards future contention by selling off the two remaining major veteran pieces on the roster. One of those players is Braun, who is quickly rebuilding value with a strong bounce-back season at the plate.

A few years ago, Braun was one of the most consistent and productive hitters in the game, and won the 2011 NL MVP behind a 7.1 WAR season according to FanGraphs. Injuries and a PED suspension have hurt Braun’s career since then, but he’s hitting at a strong 142 wRC+ clip through 268 plate appearances so far this year, and is more capable defensively than other outfielders on the market like Bruce or Matt Kemp.

With Hunter Pence out for a while with a hamstring injury, the Giants have been actively shopping for a corner outfielder as an upgrade over Angel Pagan or Gregor Blanco. San Francisco has emerged as a World Series contender and should be an aggressive buyer at the deadline, so paying the high price for Braun could be worth it.

The Giants also need some help in the bullpen, as they have little relief depth even with Sergio Romo on the way back. To sweeten the deal, the Brewers could throw in Jeffress, who has a 2.67 ERA (3.46 ERA) in 33.2 innings as the team’s closer this year per FanGraphs.

Should Milwaukee eat a considerable chunk of the $76 million remaining on Braun’s deal, it could return an impact Giants prospect like Christian Arroyo in a potential trade.

Next: 4. Jonathan Lucroy to the Texas Rangers

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