Ryan Braun

MLB Rumors: Brewers, Dodgers discussed Ryan Braun for Yasiel Puig trade

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Brewers and Dodgers nearly completed a trade that would have sent Ryan Braun to the Dodgers and Yasiel Puig to the Brewers.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was recently placed on trade waivers and claimed by an unknown team. The Dodgers tried to negotiate with that team, but couldn’t get anything done. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Milwaukee Brewers were that team. The two sides attempted to work something out that would have sent Ryan Braun to the Dodgers and Puig to the Brewers, but nothing materialized.

It was clear from the start that the Dodgers were not going to give away Puig. If they traded him, it would only be for someone who would help them in 2016. Braun certainly fits that description. The Dodgers expressed interest in Braun back in July, according to Rosenthal. It’s likely that other pieces would have been in the trade.

Expect the Dodgers and Brewers to continue their discussion in the offseason. The Dodgers clearly covet Braun and the Brewers obviously like Puig. If they didn’t like him, they would not have claimed him on waivers. However, in the offseason, it is worth noting that the Dodgers will have far more teams to discuss Puig with than just the Brewers.

Despite his struggles, Puig is still a tempting player for a number of teams. He is extremely talented and if a team can help him get his act together, he could return to his borderline MVP candidate days. Puig also has a very reasonable contract that could prove to be a bargain.

The Brewers should be willing to trade Braun considering that the next great Brewers team likely won’t be while Braun is still on the team. With the Dodgers having an open corner outfield spot next season, expect their interest in Braun to continue.