Ryan Braun is playing like a star again for the Brewers

For over six seasons, Braun was one of the most dependable power hitters in baseball, and the type of star player any organization dreams of developing. Then a lengthy suspension for PED use and a subpar 2014 campaign cast doubt on Braun’s future, not to mention his status as a perennial All-Star.

Braun’s power dipped mightily a season ago, but the 31-year-old is driving the ball with authority once again. After another home run Monday in Milwaukee, Braun now has 12 long balls on the season, including eight in the month of May.

Through 173 plate appearances, he is batting .272/.349/.543, and both his slugging percentage and isolated power have risen back to where they stood prior to his suspension.

A rejuvenated Braun hasn’t prevented the Brewers from scuffling this season, of course. Milwaukee enters Tuesday’s action with the worst record in baseball at 16-30, and the more overwhelming prospect of having to compete in the ever-improving NL Central on a long-term basis.

With a farm system that hasn’t developed much MLB-quality talent in recent seasons, the Brewers don’t have much in the way of solutions down in the minors. Given that they play in one of baseball’s smallest markets, they won’t be able to spend their way back into contention either.

All of which brings up the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. Braun has been the one constant in Milwaukee for years now, but his five-year, $105 million extension kicks in next season. Is there a chance the Brewers look to trade Braun, despite his status as a longtime fan favorite?

Braun remains one of the few bright spots in Milwaukee, but he is owed north of $20 million annually over the next five years. And given that he turns 32 in November, his continued production isn’t guaranteed either.

For that reason, the veteran outfielder is of more value to a team that is looking to win now and can afford to take on his increased salary.

Whether the Brewers actually seek to trade Braun is a bigger question. After such a disastrous start, dealing away the team’s most beloved player wouldn’t exactly bring much hope to Milwaukee’s fan base.

Yet a time is coming when Braun will be more valuable to the Brewers as a trade chip and an avenue through which the club can add some sorely needed young talent. With Braun back to his old self, the Brewers can enjoy the fruits of his production for the time being.

Sometime soon, though, they may be best served trading their star outfielder.