A trade rumor centering on Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun and Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp made the rounds Saturday evening on social media, but “there’s nothing to it,” according to Milwaukee general manager David Stearns. While the executive told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com and other reporters that he doesn’t normally respond to rumors, he felt the need to shoot this one down publicly. “You guys know my policy, I don’t like commenting on this type of stuff,” he said. “But given that I don’t want this to be any sort of distraction, I’ll say when I first read it, I thought maybe someone was making an early April Fool’s joke.” The Dodgers reportedly showed serious interest in Braun in the past, but “there’s nothing clearly relevant” this time around, per Stearns.
More from around the majors…
- It could be a month before Red Sox reliever Tyler Thornburg joins the team’s bullpen, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told WEEI on Saturday (via Ian Browne of MLB.com). Thornburg remains on the comeback trail from the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery he underwent last June. The 29-year-old, whom the Red Sox acquired from the Brewers in a December 2016 deal that also involved third baseman Travis Shaw, still hasn’t pitched in a meaningful game for Boston.
- With pre-arb players Paul DeJong Scott Kingery, Ketel Marte all having signed contract extensions recently, Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun wonders if the Orioles could try to lock up outfielder Trey Mancini. The 26-year-old slugger, who has five seasons of control left (including three arb-eligible years), told Meoli that the aforementioned extensions make for “an interesting trend. I’ve definitely taken notice of that, and I’m sure there’s probably been some more offers to other guys that nobody has heard about and they didn’t take them. You don’t know what goes on. But it is pretty interesting what’s going on there.” While there’s no indications that the Orioles and Mancini have actually discussed a long-term deal, Meoli suggests a five-year, $22MM to $24MM pact would be reasonable for the player at this stage. Power pays well in arbitration, Meoli points out, and Mancini’s coming off a rookie year in which he hit 24 homers and batted .293/.338/.488 in 586 trips to the plate.
- Free-agent outfielder Michael Saunders has gotten four offers since the Royals released him a week ago, and he’s expected to sign with a new club soon, Jon Heyman of FanRag tweets. Saunders, 31, lasted a month with Kansas City, which added him on a minor league pact. He was unable to secure a big league deal in the offseason (or make KC’s roster during the spring) after batting a paltry .202/.256/.344 (56 wRC+) in 234 PAs between Philadelphia and Toronto in 2017.
The Kemp Braun trade rumors was an april fools joke from some no named “reporter”. It should not have even made it to a point where it became a story. Never trust anyone but the actual reporters
It would be a funny move considering who the giants have added longo cutch and Braun were all in their prime at around the same time
Thornburg never pitched in a meaningful game for Milwaukee, either, so….
So Angels Thornburg was a real steal by Trader Dave.
It’s unfortunate that he wasn’t able to predict an injury. That would be a great skill to have.
Personally I think Stern had a horse shoe stuck up his a## how does a guy make so many one-sided trades in his favor over his short time. Not that I’m complaining cause I’m a Brewer fan
Ha, yeah he’s made such good trades. That trophy case is just full of championship trophies! Lol, cute lil brewers fan!
And I hope your lame chance to try and belittle me makes you feel better while you sit on your computer in your parents basement works out for you too.
You just belittled him back… why dont you just be the “bigger” person you are and shrug it off.. someone is a salty Brewers fan lol
Your right my bad thank you for pointing that out I apologize
Why would the Orioles extend Mancini to a five year deal? I can understand if there are option years after, but just buying out arbitration is a lot of risk for little reward. .
Yea, I’d like them to focus on extensions for Schoop, Bundy, and Gausman instead.
I agree those guys should come first. I definitely wouldn’t let Schoop get away.
there would definitely be options on the deal
Cost certainty.
Highly unlikely it’s for the cost certainty. I don’t know if you’ve seen how we operate this offseason but almost every contract we give Out has came with some sort of incentive. Cashner could make any where from 16-41million in his contract.
Mancini is a guy to me who will never bust out and become a star. He’s a solid player but he’s not really projectable. Just take him to arb and pay the man then. There’s no need to guarantee any money out and take that risk for a guy who won’t be a star.
Remember when it was foolish to compare Travis Shaw to Greg Bird because Bird was the real prospect? Good times….
OF with a bad contract for another OF with a bad contract.
Makes sense…let’s do it.
Braun’s a 1B/OF and still a dangerous hitter. Ask Brad Hand. Brewers are happy he’s around evening at his price.
When was the last time Braun played an INF position? He was a 3B anyways when he first came up. Not a 1B
He played 1B both Thursday and Friday.
lol this guy. stick to things you have a clue about buddy.
That was the exact rumor from like 3-4 years ago where it got help up cause of prospects.
I doubt LA is that desperate for another OF
I doubt Milwaukee is that desperate for another OF
Hmmm kemp is on dodgers opening day roster.. many at mlbtr persisted kemp would be released…