The 2024 season for the Milwaukee Brewers has been one of both opportunity and challenge. After winning 92 games in 2023 and seizing the National League Central crown, the Brewers have found themselves in an intriguing position, marked by significant changes and unexpected hurdles.
A Season of Transitions
The departure of Craig Counsell to manage the Chicago Cubs has been one of the most notable transitions for the Brewers. Counsell, a mainstay in Milwaukee, has left big shoes to fill. His leadership over the years turned the Brewers into a competitive force within their division, and his absence is certainly felt as the team adjusts to new management.
Further compounding the Brewers’ challenges, star pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, while Adrian Houser moved to the New York Mets. These trades have significantly reshaped the pitching landscape for Milwaukee, impacting their starting rotation's performance and consistency.
Injury Woes
Injuries have also plagued the Brewers this season. Brandon Woodruff is likely to miss the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues, a blow to the Brewers' starting rotation. Additionally, Wade Miley underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for an extended period, and Robert Gasser required elbow surgery. These setbacks have left the Brewers scrambling to find stability in their pitching staff.
The injuries and departures have taken a toll. Statistically, the Brewers’ starting rotation ranks near the bottom in several key categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. Such figures paint a clear picture of the struggles facing Milwaukee's pitching staff.
Bullpen Strength and Offensive Efficiency
Despite these challenges, the Brewers have found strength in their bullpen. Ranking fourth in MLB in relief ERA, the Brewers’ bullpen has been a bright spot, helping to keep the team competitive in close games. Strong performances from the relief pitchers have been essential in offsetting some of the struggles from the starting rotation.
On the offensive side, Milwaukee has shown considerable efficiency, ranking seventh in MLB for runs scored. This offensive production has been crucial in maintaining their competitive edge within the division, giving the Brewers' pitching staff much-needed support in games.
Financial Constraints
Financially, the Brewers operate with a bottom-ten payroll according to Cot's/Baseball Prospectus estimates. Despite these constraints, the team has managed to stay competitive, a testament to their strategic management and player development. However, the limited financial resources also suggest that significant trades or big spending to address gaps in the roster, particularly in the pitching rotation, are unlikely.
According to sources familiar with the organization’s thinking, "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."
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, the Brewers will need to continue leaning on their bullpen and offensive production to sustain their ambitions. With top prospects likely to remain untapped for trade leverage and financial constraints limiting substantial acquisitions, creativity and resilience will be key. New strategies and player contributions will be essential if the Brewers are to navigate through these challenges successfully and maintain their position within the division.
The 2024 season may be a test of the Brewers' depth and adaptability, but with a solid offensive lineup and a dependable bullpen, there's hope that Milwaukee will continue to defy expectations and remain a formidable force in the National League Central.