To say Ryan Braun's career has been defined by ups and downs is an understatement of, well, Braunian proportions.
In 2011, Braun hit his apex. He signed a five-year, $105 million extension with the Milwaukee Brewers—the only big league franchise he'd ever known—in April of that year.
He promptly led the National League with a .994 OPS, swatted 33 home runs and won the NL MVP award.
The following season, Braun again paced the Senior Circuit with a .987 OPS and 41 homers, and finished second in MVP balloting.
In the process, he cemented his status as an undisputed superstar.