Dodgers Rumors: Ten trade targets for the Dodgers

Ryan Braun

Ryan Braun’s name has been tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers since last summer when talks between the Brewers and Dodgers reportedly picked up. Again this season, Braun’s name was once again tied with the Dodgers, and once again nothing came out of it. Many Dodger fans seem to be 50/50 on this deal, as we all know if we acquired Braun that would likely send Yasiel Puig packing.

Now, even considering my personal bias against Braun due to him cheating Matt Kemp out of an MVP award in 2011, I still think Braun is exactly what we need. The Dodgers lack a true power bat against left-handed pitching, and while we do have the likes of Franklin Gutierrez and Logan Forsythe to face lefties, they still are not all that special.

Yasiel Puig has done a good job this season and likely has surprised many. Thus far this season Puig has slugged six home runs, driving in 19 runs batted in, all while posting a .242 batting average. Those numbers certainly are good and an improvement from Puig of the past, but they still do not measure up to Ryan Braun.

Braun, on the other hand, has slugged seven home runs, drove in 18 runs batted in, and has batted to a .287 clip. Braun has the same power numbers as Puig, yet can hit for more contact. However – Braun’s holy grail is his ability to hit left-handed pitching; posting a career .336 batting average against south paws.

Not only is Ryan Braun a great all-around player, but he absolutely mashes left-handed pitching. Braun may be the missing puzzle piece to a World Series push in Los Angeles.