I haven't seen anything on this since Braun said he might play another year this summer, but he has a 15 million dollar mutual option for next year with a 4 million dollar buyout. It's possible these are his last last games (at least with the Brewers). How do we remember him? As a cheater? As a superstar in his first 6 years? As a slightly above average player the last 7 years plus this partial year? He's got a very complicated legacy.
PED Ryan Braun
6 years. 2007-2012.
Per year averages: 148 games, 374/572/946 (OBP/SLG/OPS). .314 BA, 34 HRs, 107 RBIs, 21 SBs. 33.1 WAR. (5.6/year)
5 All-star games, ROY, MVP, 2nd in MVP voting, 3rd in MVP voting, received votes the other 3 years.
Post-PED Ryan Braun (leaving out this year).
7 years, 2013-2019. Per year averages: 120 games, 344/493/946. .280 BA, 20 HRS, 69 RBIs, 13 SBs, One all-star game. 13.8 WAR (~2/year)
How would his last at-bat at home in front of a big crowd have gone? Standing ovation? Booing? Polite applause?
He's the Brewers all-time leader in HRs. He's either 2nd or 3rd in almost every offensive counting category. He's statistically the Brewers 3rd best player in the history (Yount and Molitor). He's one of 3 Brewers to win an MVP. He's tied with Molitor for most All-Star appearances in Brewer history (5). But how is he treated in retirement? As a pariah or does he get ovations at old-timers games?