Brewers trade rumors: Giants have had ‘preliminary talks’ for Ryan Braun

The Giants and Brewers have had “preliminary talks” involving outfielder Ryan Braun, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. No deal is imminent between the sides.

San Francisco is known to be looking for outfield help in the wake of Hunter Pence's injury, and made two small moves last week by signing minor-league free agents Chris Denorfia and Travis Ishikawa. The team is currently using Gregor Blanco, Jarrett Parker and Mac Williamson as options for their corner outfield spots, but is open to a longer-term addition at the trade deadline.

Milwaukee is known to be shopping Braun and catcher Jonathan Lucroy in advance of the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline. The team currently sits 14 games back of the division-leading Cubs, and is expected to be an aggressive seller next month.

Braun is in the first year of a 5-year, $105 million deal with the Brewers, so an obstacle in any deal with San Francisco could be the team’s willingness to add another major contract. Braun has hit .316/.378/.541 with 11 home runs in 52 games this season.