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Will the Milwaukee Brewers Have Fan Favorites Traded Away Soon Much Like the Braves?

By Ace Schneider |
May 2, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) hits a double in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) hits a double in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

As rumors go around about who would be willing to trade for Ryan Braun as he’s started off the season hot, just how far would the Milwaukee Brewers front office go this season come trade deadline?

In the off-season the Atlanta Braves made it clear, they were on full rebuild mode and traded away fan favorites like Shelby Miller and Andrelton Simmons for a 2016 season that would make a general fan of the team look up names of the starting lineup for the team any given day. (Heck, Fredi Gonzalez might be out of there soon too.) For Milwaukee Brewers fans, they’re much in the same picture, but can still keep hold of the Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun jerseys (for now).

But, as rumors started hitting the surface for Jonathan Lucroy before the season started, it was clear there might be some tricks up their sleeve. Although, no certain rumors have surfaced from the front office about Ryan Braun themselves, many writers have thought the timing here might be relevant as a 142 wRC+ value over the past calendar to be tied with a player like Anthony Rizzo doesn’t hurt.

As FanGraphs added possible trade partners like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Nationals, even I became skeptical of the writer Dave Cameron and thought these teams were under the no trade clause and even asked him about it via Twitter and he responded:

So, from myself being skeptical from the beginning with Ken Rosenthal’s report of Ryan Braun being traded becoming “more realistic,” I began to wonder if I really want the Milwaukee Brewers to lose star players like Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun even when they are rebuilding.

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So, let’s ask the questions “Why?” and “Why not?” to trading both Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun this year.

Why?

The Milwaukee Brewers are already rebuilding, so get as much as you possibly can. With Mike Petriello’s column about Ryan Braun’s numbers over the calendar year, you’d like to make a deal while any player is doing well. If the team waits too long, they might miss out on a big deal. So, what does it matter if Milwaukee Brewers lose more games without Braun and Lucroy? Higher draft picks anyways, right?

Why not?

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With Jonathan Lucroy’s contract being up at the end of next year, it makes sense to ship him around and see what can be offered. Certainly can wait until the trade deadline and see what is being offered. To stay on the stat of wRC+, a Lucroy of 2014 with a 132 would be nice as he only sits at 103. But, only time will tell. With Ryan Braun, there should be no rush as he’s on contract through at least 2020. We can hold onto him for at least another year for Milwaukee Brewers fans to watch. Remember, the team still needs reasons for fans to come to games. After the first game this year in the 12-3 loss, the home attendance didn’t look so good and over time you don’t want to continue to lose fans.

For my honest take, I think the Ryan Braun scenario is all speculation as he’s had a hot start with a .372 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBIs. Pretty good for general numbers. Like all baseball fans we like to start speculation when there’s a GM like David Stearns whose shown he’s not scared of holding back. I’m more on the “Why not?” side as I can see the deal of Jonathan Lucroy going through at some point and possibly Ryan Braun down the road. I can respect the Atlanta Braves for being bold, but not so sure I want the Milwaukee Brewers to roll the dice all in one season.

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