Los Angeles Dodgers: Smart not trading Puig for Braun

The Milwaukee Brewers won the claim for Yasiel Puig and the Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers talked trade centered around Ryan Braun. The Dodgers made the right move in not pulling the trigger on the deal.

Yasiel Puig has had an interesting career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He came up and was one of the biggest stars and most fun players to watch in the game. Over the past two seasons however, injuries and issues with management have caused a drop in production.

The Dodgers traded for Josh Reddick at the deadline and sent Puig down to AAA Oklahoma. Snapchat became an issue for him there, but while in AAA, Puig produced. He hit .348 with four homers and 12 RBI in 19 games.

Puig was placed on trade waivers while down there and the Brewers won the claim and had trade talks involving slugger Ryan Braun.

The 25 year old Puig is under team control until 2020. Braun also is under team control until 2020 with a $15 million option and a $4 million buyout for 2021. Braun is set to turn 33 in November and has a history of injury issues.

It seems like Puig has been around forever, but he’s just 25. He’s shown potential and it may be that a change of scenery would be best, but I wouldn’t give up Puig for Braun. The Dodgers have a lot of age on the roster to begin with. Adrian Gonzalez is starting to get older. Justin Turner, Chase Utley and Reddick are pending free agents. Andre Either hasn’t played this season, is 34 and isn’t a free agent until 2018. 

For the Brewers, it makes all the sense in the world. Adding a young piece like that in their rebuilding plan with major league experience and control fits.

Next: What to expect from Yoan Moncada

There’s no question that Braun is still a productive player, but the Los Angeles Dodgers were smart not to deal Puig for him.