Milwaukee Brewers will not exercise the 2021 mutual option on left fielder Ryan Braun’s contract, most likely ending his 14-year stint with the franchise.
If the option was picked up, Braun would be in line to earn $15 million next season. Instead, he will receive a $4 million buyout.
Brewers confirmed the news on their social media.
Ryan Braun is considered Brewers’ legend, having played 1,766 games for the franchise since making his MLB debut in 2007. Braun currently ranks first in career home runs with 352 homers while being second in RBIs (1,154) in the team’s history. He was also a six-time All-Star and NL MVP in 2011.
Despite all of this, Brewers decided it was a time that two sides go their separate ways. The team’s decision was most likely influenced by finances and Braun’s poor performances in 2020 when he batted a career-low .233. The 36-year-old player also had eight homers and 26 RBIs in 39 appearances during the shortened MLB season.
It is unclear whether this will be just the end of Braun’s run with Brewers or in MLB as a whole. Back in September, he told reporters that he is considering his future in MLB but will take “some time” before making a final decision.
