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Brewers' Braun: 'This could be my last year playing baseball'

Will Newton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Ryan Braun knows his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers could be up at the end of the 2020 season, and he's coming to terms with the fact that it might be his last.

"I don't take for granted the fact this could be my last year playing baseball," the former NL MVP told reporters, including Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, during the Brewers' fan festival Sunday. "Obviously, there's a sense of urgency every year, but for me, knowing this could be my last chance ever, it's something that certainly adds to that sense of urgency.

"I feel good about the fact that we put a team together that should be competitive again. We went to the postseason the last two years. The team that we lost to ended up winning the whole thing. It's just about finding a way to get into the postseason and hopefully get hot at the right time. There's an increased sense of urgency for me, with where I'm at in my career."

Braun is entering his age-36 season and is owed $17 million in 2020. The veteran outfielder also has a $15-million mutual option for 2021 that includes a $4-million buyout. He signed a five-year, $105-million extension with the Brewers during his 2011 MVP campaign, a pact that kicked in ahead of the 2016 season.

"There's a little bit more reflection and nostalgia, knowing there's a possibility of (playing a final season)," Braun continued. "I've thought about it a little bit. For me, the goal is to always stay fully present (in the moment) and just be the best version of myself as a player this year.

"Then, figure out the future when I get through the season."

After appearing in 61 games in 2013, Braun was suspended for the remainder of the season, admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs during his MVP campaign. The six-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger hasn't garnered MVP votes since the 2016 season, hitting .270/.331/.488 with 59 homers and 34 steals over 373 games from 2017-19.

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