Brewers OF Ryan Braun Clears Revocable Waivers

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun has cleared revocable waivers, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

In his latest Full Count video on Fox Sports, here’s what Rosenthal noted about Braun, and the Dodgers interest in the outfielder:

“The Dodgers, according to sources, talked to the Brewers about a trade for Ryan Braun before the non-waiver deadline. Braun has cleared waivers, the Dodgers still need a right-handed bat, so why not try again? The problem with Braun is trying to figure out an appropriate value from a financial perspective. He’s owed $76 million over the next four years. A team that wants Braun would likely want that discounted considering he’ll be 33 next season. It’s difficult to imagine the Brewers giving a high-revenue team like the Dodgers, something like $20 million in a trade.”

There will be several factors that could end up slowing down a possible Braun trade even with the outfielder clearing waivers. As Rosenthal talked about, Braun is currently signed 2021 on a five-year, $105 million deal that was signed way back in 2011. With one year already done on the deal, Braun is still owed $76 million over the next four.

Another thing that would complicate trade talks is Braun’s no-trade clause. Braun can block a trade to every MLB team except the Angels, Dodgers, Rays, Marlins, and Nationals. Braun is from California and attended college at Miami, so it make sense to see two Los Angeles teams and two Florida teams.

If any team decides to pull the trigger on a Braun trade, they will also have to deal with how the fan base decides to react to the move. Braun was suspended 65 games in 2013 for performance enhancing drugs after swearing his innocence about never taking PEDs since 2011. Braun’s actions in the past have caused his reputation to damage across the game.

While Braun is hated across the game of baseball, he is still loved by Brewers fans in Milwaukee. He, Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, and Yovani Gallardo were the core of players that helped lead the Brewers to two playoff appearances, and some unforgettable memories.  If Braun is dealt, there will be some mixed emotions about the deal in Milwaukee.

The one thing you know you will get out of a Braun trade is production. The 32-year-old outfielder, who won the National League’s MVP award in 2011, is batting .318/.379/.557 with 24 homers, 74 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases so far this season.

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