Ryan Braun has finally spoken out over his use of performance enhancing drugs and stated that he was deeply sorry and embarrassed over his mistakes. As the Milwaukee Brewers star prepares to move forward with his future after getting handed a season-ending suspension, that may or may not be with his long-time team. Rumors have been swirling over a potential trade of the outfielder and now the team's general manager is speaking out.
The New York Post reported the Mets have enquired about orchestrating a trade for Braun that could send away players like first baseman Ike Davis. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson confirmed the inquiry, but noted it was nothing serious. Instead, the Mets are setting their focus on free agents like Nelson Cruz and Curtis Granderson. So what happens to Braun?
Braun appears to still be in the midst of his prime playing days. However, all of the drama surrounding him could have the Brewers looking to shed what is left of the $117 million he is still owed from the team. Despite the oversized contract, general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the team was not shopping the star.
"We have no intentions of trading Ryan," said Melvin. "There's absolutely no truth to that. We've never contacted any team about Ryan. I told them no."
Trade rumors surrounding Braun are going to come up as the offseason continues. The Brewers could be looking to rid themselves of the stigma attacked with the outfielder after the PED scandal. He is under contract for the next seven years. Melvin told the paper that four of five teams have called about Braun, but he is standing firm in his decision to hold on to the franchise player.
Braun has a no-trade protection in his contract, so getting him to agree to a move could be the difficult task. It also seems crazy Milwaukee would target Davis as the player to replace the power hitter. Instead, Melvin is considering moving Braun to possibly playing right field, but certainly not trading him.
Braun and Melvin have sat down and discussed the upcoming season coming off a 65-game ban after the Biogenesis clinic issue. The general manager confirmed that everyone was excited to move forward and focus on a new beginning.
"It was just a sit-down to talk about our plans and the upcoming season," said Melvin. "It went well. We just talked general about what we're doing."
