As the Milwaukee Brewers navigate through their 2024 season, they find themselves in an intriguing position. Despite significant changes and challenges, the Brewers are demonstrating resilience and a keen determination to remain competitive in the National League Central.
Changes in the Dugout
The Brewers made headlines with several key departures in the offseason. Long-time manager Craig Counsell, who had become a staple in Milwaukee, made a surprising move to the helm of the Chicago Cubs. This left a leadership void that the Brewers are working to fill amid the season’s unfolding drama.
Pitching Woes
The starting rotation, once a strength for the Brewers, has undergone a series of upheavals. Corbin Burnes, the 2021 Cy Young Award winner and a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s pitching staff, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Adrian Houser, another critical piece of the rotation, found a new home with the New York Mets. Additionally, Brandon Woodruff, who had been expected to play a significant role, is likely sidelined for the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues.
The situation worsened with Wade Miley undergoing Tommy John surgery, a procedure that will keep him off the mound for an extended period. Robert Gasser, another valuable pitcher, also needed elbow surgery, further depleting Milwaukee’s options. The impact of these losses is evident as the Brewers' starting rotation ranks near the bottom in several key statistical categories, such as innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage.
Relief Success and Offensive Strength
Despite the starting rotation struggles, the Brewers' bullpen has been performing admirably. Ranked fourth in MLB in relief ERA, the bullpen has been a reliable asset, helping the team navigate through games and maintain a competitive edge.
Offensively, the Brewers have managed to keep pace, boasting a commendable seventh place in MLB for runs scored. This offensive production has been crucial in compensating for their pitching deficiencies.
Financial Realities
The Brewers are navigating these challenges with a bottom-ten payroll, as estimated by Cot's/Baseball Prospectus. Financially constrained, the organization has to make strategic decisions about resource allocation. "The Milwaukee Brewers, leading their division with the National League's third-best record despite needing pitching help, don't seem inclined to fix that hole through big spending or by trading top prospects at the deadline," sources familiar with the organization's thinking have suggested. This indicates a cautious approach that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term expenditures.
The Brewers’ ability to lead their division and maintain one of the best records in the National League is a testament to their adaptability and resourcefulness. The combination of a strong bullpen, effective offensive lineup, and strategic resource management has kept them in contention, even as they continue to face obstacles.
The journey ahead for the Brewers is fraught with uncertainty, particularly in terms of their pitching rotation. However, their performance to date has shown they possess the tenacity and strategic acumen to navigate these challenges. As the season progresses, the Brewers will need to continue leveraging their strengths while finding innovative ways to address their weaknesses.