Brewers: Ryan Braun might’ve played his last professional baseball game

If Ryan Braun intends to play in the MLB again, the former Brewer will have to change his mindset drastically in the next couple of weeks.

Ryan Braun is a free agent and it doesn’t look like he’s going to change that anytime soon.

The former Brewer, whose contract ended with the 2020 season told MLB.com he’s “continuing to work out and stay in shape but I’m not currently interested in playing.”

“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,” Braun said.

Ryan Braun could return to the Brewers, but the clock is ticking

The Brewers declined the 2021 option to extend Brauns contact following 2020. Still, the club has appeared willing to bring him back on a cheaper deal if the 37-year-old wants to keep playing. They expected him to take his time making his decision.

Eventually, a decision will have to be made, though. Spring Training is expected to begin on Feb. 23. Braun could always join the team after that date, but something over the next few weeks would have to shift for him to go from “not interested” to suiting up.

Milwaukee drafted Braun with the No. 5 pick in 2005. He went on to win the MLB Rookie of the Year Award before achieving six All-Star nods, five Silver Sluggers and the NL MVP Award in 2011.

His career batting average is .296 with an on-base percentage of .358 and a slugging percentage of .532. He owns the Brewers record for home runs with 352.

Unfortunately, Braun’s career wasn’t entirely clean. He was suspended for 65 games in 2013 because of his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Since then, he achieved his sixth All-Star selection and maintained his place as a key member of the franchise.