Dodgers: Three Reasons They Should Not Trade for Ryan Braun

Roster Space

This one is common sense, but the Dodgers only have three spots for potentially six outfielders. Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles, Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, and Andre Ethier are already competing for three spots. Ethier will return sometime midseason, and Pederson has already been activated. If Braun is added to that mix, there are too many suitable starters to keep happy.

Pederson must stay because he’s the only true center fielder. Toles may be an option to trade, but the Brewers may want someone younger with more power potential. Bellinger is off limits, and Ethier is too old.

Puig is the best option to trade, but is it worth trading a 26-year old who has shown his capabilities for a 33-year old who will cost much more? Puig’s struggled with hitting, defense, injuries, and off-field engagements during the last two years but let’s not forget he was dynamic in his first two seasons. Late last season, he’s seemed to turn things around too. Of course, Dodger fans are tired of hearing this, only to be let down, but he seems to be coming back to his former self.

Players go through ups and downs, and former Dodgers’ star Matt Kemp is an example. After his MVP-candidate season in 2011, he went through two-and-a-half injury-plagued years. However, he’s been consistent and productive since the second half of 2014. He’s no longer an MVP-candidate, but he’s still a middle of the lineup bat.

Plus making room for another player is not what the Dodgers need to be dealing with. They are already in a tough situation as it is.