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.