What Happened to Ryan Joseph Braun?

Ryan Joseph Braun, born November 17, 1983, embarked on a highly decorated Major League Baseball career with the Milwaukee Brewers, who drafted him fifth overall in 2005. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his MLB debut in 2007 and earning the National League Rookie of the Year award that season. Braun's early career was marked by exceptional power and speed, leading to five consecutive All-Star selections from 2008 to 2012 and five Silver Slugger awards. The pinnacle of his on-field achievements came in 2011 when he was named the National League Most Valuable Player, leading the league in slugging percentage and OPS.

However, Braun's legacy became complicated by a performance-enhancing drug (PED) scandal. In December 2011, he tested positive for elevated testosterone levels, but successfully appealed the 50-game suspension in February 2012 due to a procedural error in the sample collection process. Despite his initial vehement denials, including publicly disparaging the sample collector, Braun was later implicated in the Biogenesis clinic scandal in 2013. On July 22, 2013, he accepted a 65-game suspension without pay for violating MLB's drug policy, effectively ending his 2013 season. In August 2013, Braun publicly admitted to using a cream and a lozenge containing banned substances during his 2011 MVP season, expressing deep shame and regret.

Following his suspension, Braun returned to play for the Brewers, continuing to be a productive hitter, though not consistently at his pre-scandal MVP level. He made another All-Star appearance in 2015 and remained a cornerstone of the franchise, leading them to playoff berths in 2018 and 2020. He retired as the Brewers' all-time franchise leader in home runs with 352 and second in RBIs with 1,154. Braun officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on September 14, 2021, after not playing during the 2021 season.

Since his retirement, Braun has transitioned into the financial sector. He is currently a Managing Director at IEQ Capital, a wealth management firm, where he leverages his business and sports management background from the University of Miami. He resides in Malibu, California, with his wife, Larisa Fraser, and their three children. Braun also remains actively involved in philanthropy, notably as a co-founder and active supporter of 'California Strong,' a charity dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters. In 2019, he and Christian Yelich also made significant investments in 'The Avenue,' a redevelopment project in downtown Milwaukee.

As of July 2026, Braun continues to receive deferred payments from his playing contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, amounting to $1.8 million annually through 2031. His career achievements and the shadow of his PED suspension have made his Hall of Fame candidacy a complex and debated topic. He appeared on the Baseball Writers Association of America's Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in November 2025 (for the 2026 class), a significant milestone that reignited discussions about his legacy. Braun has publicly acknowledged the honor of being on the ballot, reflecting on his career's highs and the controversy. He also continues to engage with the baseball community, offering commentary and insights on current MLB events.