Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun Appears Ready for 2016

Last offseason one of the biggest questions of the winter was Ryan Braun‘s thumb. This time around, his back will be a major focus. Earlier today, Milwaukee Brewers’ beat writer, Tom Haudricourt tweeted that Braun’s procedure went well and all indications are that he should be ready to go at full strength for spring.

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Coming off of a solid rebound season and still under contract until at least the end of the 2020 season, Braun remains one of the most important pieces on the roster for the present and future. Playing in 140 games, Braun batted .285 with 25 home runs and an .854 OPS in 2015. While he didn’t put up MVP-type numbers that he has has in year’s past, he became the Brewers’ all-time home run leader and he again showed that he remains one of the elite hitters in the game.

In all likelihood, Braun will face plenty of questions about the back this spring, but I fully expect him to silence all doubters with his bat. In a lineup full of young bats, he will be solid veteran presence for years to come. With a big group of outfielders along the way, he may even become the future at first base and finally give the team a consistent threat at that position.

With the season just over a week old, it is great to see the procedure already finished and the focus moving towards a big 2016.

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