Fansided

MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Brewers: OF Ryan Braun

Braun is further and further removed from his apparently PED-driven prime, but he was still the Brewers’ best player in 2016. A .305/.365/.538 slash-line, 30 home runs, 91 RBI, 16 stolen bases showed it, along with a 4.4 WAR (Baseball Reference version).

Braun was a  rumored trade candidate during the offseason, with a couple contending teams possibly looking to fill a void in left field and as the Brewers are still trying to get younger and build for the future. But an albatross contract that has him due to make $76 million through 2020 with a $15 million mutual option for 2021 limits that market, and Braun is still a useful player at age-33.

Even with his past baggage, Braun is probably the only notable name to bring fans to Miller Park with any idea of watching baseball on their mind. Based on the last few seasons, a 73-89 record last season qualifies as a glimmer of hope for the future in Milwaukee. Another strong season from Braun in 2017 could inject him as a veteran leader into the future, or make him the trade chip that further accelerates a youth movement when the trade deadline approaches.

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