MLB: 3 Players That Will Be Traded Next Season

Ryan Braun

Ryan Braun trade rumors have been circulating since the trade deadline last season. While I don’t think a potential Braun trade will come to fruition this off-season, it certainly will grow some legs as next season carries on. The Brewers are likely seeking to hold onto Braun with the hopes that he could be a veteran presence to their plethora of young talents. However, Braun just does not seem to fit into Milwaukee’s current system. With a good amount of contract still left for the former MVP, it only seems fit that we will see him dealt next season.

A fun fact that most people do not know about Braun is his contract actually holds a pretty strict trade clause. Braun can block any trade, if he so desires, unless it is made with a team on a very specific list. The list reads as following: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Washington Nationals. Outside of the Nationals and Dodgers however, none of the teams on the list could really suit Braun and afford him. Sure, the Marlins could use another outfielder, but they may not have the pieces necessary to get Braun. The Rays seem like long shots, as they would have to deal Archer for Braun and that is not happening. The Nationals just acquired Adam Eaton, and the Angels acquired Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere.

That leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers as the only realistic option to land Braun next season. While they certainly don’t need Braun, they could likely do a deal swapping Puig and a prospect for the former MVP.

However, just because Braun can block a trade does not mean he will. Braun always has the option to say yes to a trade, and that likely will happen next season. The San Francisco Giants are a team that instantly jump off the bat. They could use a veteran left fielder, and likely could get Braun by sending off Conor Gillaspie and prospect Tyler Beede.