The San Francisco Giants Could be in a Race for Ryan Braun

Recent reports say that the San Francisco Giants have made contact with the Milwaukee Brewers about a possible deal for Ryan Braun, but they aren’t the only National League West team vying for his services.

The Los Angeles Dodgers also seem to have interest in the Brewers star left-fielder as they also have concerns in the outfield.

Both teams recently called up talented prospects in hopes of fixing their outfield situation, which should cool the talks on Braun for now.

However, at some point this year both the Giants and the Dodgers could be in a bidding war for Ryan Braun.

The 33-year-old is off to a good start in 2017 hitting .289 with a .379 on-base-percentage, 6 home runs and 16 RBI.

That type of production would certainly be welcomed in left field for the San Francisco Giants.

While he may not play at an MVP-type level anymore, he’s played in at least 135 games the last three years with at least 19 home runs and 81 RBI every year.

The reason talks never got very far for the Giants is because the Brewers wanted salary relief and good prospects.

Braun is owed at least $76 million over the next four years. He has a mutual option for $15 million in 2021 with a $4 million buyout.

If the San Francisco Giants continue to struggle on offense, I think they certainly have to look for trade targets. I’m just not sure if we can get into a bidding war with the Dodgers.

Both franchises have the money to make this deal, it’s just who is willing to give up a top prospect as well?

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The San Francisco Giants are not going to part with Tyler Beede or Christiain Arroyo, but I would think anyone else is available in a trade for Braun.

The Dodgers aren’t going to give up Cody Bellilnger, but beyond him I think they’d part with anyone in their top 10.

The other factor to consider is that the Brewers are off to a good start. However, half of their wins have come against the CIncinatti Reds.

Once the Brewers come back down to Earth and are ready to deal Braun, there will be a race for his services.

Another thing to consider is that Braun earns 10-and-5 status on May 24, which means he can block any trade. So the Brewers may look to move him before then.

I believe the Giants will, and should, be a part of that race to an extent. If they can get Braun without giving up Beede or Arroyo, then I’m all for the move.

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More importantly, I hope the Dodgers aren’t the ones to land Braun. That’s not to say we should give up everything just to keep him from the Dodgers, but we definitely shouldn’t make it easy for them.

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