Ryan

Braun

Braun made the announcement via the Brewers’ social media accounts. The 37-year-old didn’t play this season and was said in March to be “strongly leaning” toward retirement, but this makes it official. Braun, a six-time All-Star, finishes his 14-year career with a .296 career batting average to go along with 1,963 hits, 352 home runs, and 1,154 RBI. He won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2007 before securing the NL MVP Award in 2011. His legacy is a bit clouded by PED usage and injuries hampered the later part of his career, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best players to ever appear in a Brewers uniform. He’ll walk away as the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs and runs scored.

“Look, obviously I’m strongly leaning in that direction [retirement], but until I get to a point where I’ve completely made my mind up, I just don’t see any sense in making it official at this point,” Braun said. The 37-year-old also added that he “can’t foresee a scenario” in which he played for a team other than the Brewers. Braun is staying in shape but said that he hasn’t touched a bat or ball since the end of last season. Obviously, the odds are very high that we’ve seen the last of him in the big leagues.

“I’m continuing to work out and stay in shape, but I’m not currently interested in playing,” Braun said in a text message. “I am enjoying my family and focused on other business interests for now but appreciate the interest I’ve received and will continue to regularly stay in touch with the Brewers.” The 37-year-old became a free agent back in late October after Milwaukee declined his $15 million option for 2021, and it sounds like he might opt to hang up his cleats for good rather than pursue another deal with the Brew Crew or any other club.

There have been hints this winter that Braun may be headed for retirement, and that seems to be a growing possibility with spring training set to open in two weeks. Milwaukee declined the 37-year-old outfielder’s $15 million option for 2021 back in late October -- paying him a $4 million buyout instead -- after he slashed .233/.281/.488 with eight home runs over 39 games during the condensed 2020 campaign.

Counsell’s comments make it seem like Braun is seriously considering retirement. The outfielder’s $15 million option for the 2021 season was declined, with Milwaukee instead paying a $4 million buyout. If there’s a DH in the National League the former MVP’s interest could grow, but for now, it appears there’s a limited market for the 37-year-old. And it’s possible he decides to hang up the cleats regardless.

Braun’s contract either called for a $15 million mutual option for 2021, or a $4 million buyout. Unsurprisingly, it appears the Brewers have decided for the latter. The soon to be 37-year-old hit just .233/.281/.488 in 39 games while dealing injuries to his back and finger. It seems plausible that Milwaukee could have interest in Braun at a significantly lowered rate, but it’s also possible that the former MVP will either be playing with a new club in 2021 or possibly decide to retire.

Braun’s contract includes a $15 million mutual option for 2021, but the Brewers are expected to give him a $4 million buyout. It sounds like they are open to bringing him back at a reduced salary assuming he wants to continue his playing career. Braun, 36, batted just .233/.281/.488 with eight home runs and 26 RBI over 39 games this past season while dealing with back and finger injuries.

It was originally announced that Braun had a strained back. The outfielder confirmed that the injury occured on Sunday in St. Louis, and that it got worse overnight. The 36-year-old is out of the lineup on Thursday after being lifted from Game 1 of the series on Wednesday, and it appears there’s a chance he won’t be able to play again in this series.

The Brewers aren’t going to say that Braun is completely unavailable because it wouldn’t make much sense to do so, but Adam McCalvy of MLB.com believes that Braun will be “very limited” going forward. If the Brewers are able to win the next two games and advance to the NLDS against the Cardinals or Padres, it sounds like there’s a good chance Braun may not be on that roster.

Braun was removed from the lineup on Wednesday in the fifth inning after trying to play the back strain he picked up in Sunday’s regular season finale. In his place, Tyrone Taylor is starting in right field and hitting seventh against Clayton Kershaw. Dan Vogelbach is also out of the lineup, with Ryon Healy acting as the DH against the southpaw. The full lineup for the Brewers on Thursday: Avisail Garcia RF, Christian Yelich LF, Jedd Gyorko 1B, Healy DH, Orlando Arcia SS, Keston Hiura 2B, Taylor RF, Luis Urias 3B, Jacob Nottingham C and Brandon Woodruff on the mound.