Chicago Cubs Could Still Be Targeting A Trade For Brewers’ OF Ryan Braun

Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs have been playing much better baseball since the All-Star break, and there is hope that the World Series curse could end. There is a lot of baseball left to be played before that can happen, but first comes the MLB trade deadline.

It has been an entertaining season for the Cubs to say the very least, but it won’t be successful unless they come away with a World Series victory.

Looking ahead at the trade deadline, there are quite a few players they could target. They already acquired left-handed relief pitcher Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners, as Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports originally reported. That move was a huge step in the right direction, but there is still room for more improvement.

Sean Sears of Sports Mockery opined that the Cubs could still be looking at acquiring Ryan Braun from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Epstein made it clear that the Cubs could be looking at making another move, according to a report from Sam Panayotovich of WGN Radio.

Theo Epstein didn't lose any top #Cubs prospects: "We haven't touched the prospects that we're potentially going to move in bigger deals."

— Sammy P (@spshoot) July 20, 2016

Braun would be an intriguing addition for the Cubs to say the very least. He has recorded a.315 batting average to go along with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. Those numbers would make Chicago’s lineup even more dangerous than it already is.

After seeing the way that the Cubs struggled with Jorge Soler and Dexter Fowler down in the outfield, acquiring another outfielder could be a solid move. Not only would Braun add depth, he would also be an everyday type of player. It may bump young players like Soler and Albert Almora Jr., but it would be worth it to bring in a player who can impact their lineup like Braun could.

At 32-years-old, the Cubs would be acquiring a player who has a contract that runs through the 2020 season, and he has a mutual option for the 2021 season.

That deal could be too long for a team like the Cubs, who have a lot of young talent rising in their farm system. On the other hand, they could like the fact that they would be getting a major veteran presence long-term to help mentor their young players. Fowler is on a one-year deal, which could open up a spot in the outfield next season.

Needless to say, it would be interesting to hear what the Brewers’ price tag is for Braun. They are likely more than open to dealing him, but dealing him within the division to a rival could be more expensive than any other team outside the division. Chicago may not be interested in helping the Brewers out with young talent either.

Chicago has still be mentioned as a potential landing spot for New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Andrew Miller isn’t as likely of an option after the trade for Montgomery, but he may be a target if the price is right. Braun isn’t the only outfielder that the Cubs could target, but he may be the player ready to make the biggest impact immediately.

Expect to hear plenty of rumors come out about Braun and the Cubs as the trade deadline closes in. Braun would immediately make the Cubs a more serious World Series contender, and they certainly have the pieces to move for him. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Braun moved at the deadline, and it wouldn’t be shocking if that move was to the Cubs.

Do you think the Chicago Cubs should pursue a trade for Ryan Braun with the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the trade deadline? Would he make them a more serious World Series contender? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Derik Hamilton/AP Images]