The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are still discussing a Ryan Braun trade, MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported Thursday.
The Dodgers and Brewers were reportedly in communication involving the right-handed outfielder last summer, but a deal never came to fruition.
Los Angeles was the worst team in baseball against lefties last season, posting a meager .623 OPS. Braun has a career 1.029 OPS against left-handers.
Braun, 33, has four years and about $70 million left on his contract.
Los Angeles' top prospect, Cody Bellinger, is ranked number 10 by MLB.com. The 21-year-old Bellinger can play either first base or the outfield, and started 2017 in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
According to Morosi, the Dodgers are one of six teams that can deal for Braun, by the terms of his limited no-trade clause in his contract.
That clause will change on May 24, when Braun becomes a "10-and-5 player," meaning he has completed 10 full MLB seasons, including at least five consecutive years with one franchise. Players who qualify for "10-and-5" rights are awarded a full no-trade clause.
Another date to watch is the July 31 trade deadline. Even though the Brewers held onto Braun last summer, GM David Stearns showed he was very willing to move veterans. Stearns traded catcher Jonathan Lucroy, infielder Aaron Hill, and relievers Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith leading up to the 2016 deadline.
Braun has three home runs, six RBIs, and five walks through nine games this season.
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