Baseball has a unique way of keeping its participants grounded, a truth the Milwaukee Brewers have come to embrace this season. Initially clouded by skepticism, the Brewers were expected to falter following significant offseason departures. The loss of long-time manager Craig Counsell, top executive David Stearns, and ace pitcher Corbin Burnes cast a shadow over the team's prospects. Yet, as of late August, Milwaukee holds the largest division lead in all of Major League Baseball, showcasing an inspiring turnaround.
A Season of Skepticism and Resilience
The Brewers’ offseason moves were met with doubt. With key players and staff leaving, the expectations were less than optimistic. However, Milwaukee managed to bolster its roster significantly, acquiring the likes of Rhys Hoskins and Gary Sánchez. These additions, combined with the emergence of a younger core, have propelled the Brewers to new heights this season.
William Contreras, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Garrett Mitchell have emerged as notable contributors, solidifying the team's offensive lineup. Particularly notable is Brice Turang, who has proven to be one of the league’s premier defensive second basemen while successfully swiping 37 bases on 42 attempts. Turang’s refined approach at the plate, whiffing on just 13% of his swings and focusing more on grounders and line drives, has also paid dividends.
The Rise of Jackson Chourio
Among the new faces, Jackson Chourio stands out. Since June, Chourio has sported a robust .900 OPS, demonstrating his ability to make consistent and quality contact. His disciplined approach at the plate, marked by a reduced swing rate, has not gone unnoticed. The outfielder, who was guaranteed $82 million before taking a major league at-bat, is expected to deliver a 20-20 season, further underlining his potential as a cornerstone for the franchise.
Pitching Prowess
Milwaukee’s pitching, known for being among the best in the National League, continues to be a key strength. Bryan Hudson has been stellar, compiling a 1.65 ERA over 38 appearances, while Tobias Myers has recorded a 2.81 ERA in 19 games, including 18 starts. Colin Rea’s contributions, reflected in his 119 ERA+ and 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23 appearances, have been crucial. Additionally, Jared Koenig’s 2.09 ERA across 47 1/3 innings this season highlights the depth of Milwaukee’s bullpen.
An unnamed source close to the team remarked, "The Brewers have excelled in getting the most from their pitchers in recent years -- some of our sources have talked up Cameron Castro as a key on that end." This sentiment underscores the importance of the coaching staff’s ability to maximize the potential of their pitching talent.
Overcoming Adversity
The Brewers’ resilience is further exemplified by their remarkable record. With a 72-52 tally as of Tuesday, the team has proven its mettle within the NL Central, boasting a 25-14 record against divisional opponents and outscoring them by 54 runs in head-to-head games. Their success extends beyond the division as well, maintaining a 47-38 mark against all other opponents.
However, the season has not been without its challenges. The team experienced a significant setback with Christian Yelich undergoing season-ending back surgery. Despite this, the Brewers have managed to maintain their momentum, positioning themselves favorably as they approach the critical final stretch of the season.
Aiming for the Crown
With 13 more divisional games remaining, the Brewers are well-positioned to secure consecutive NL Central crowns for the first time in franchise history. Their recent performances have silenced early-season skeptics and reaffirmed their status as a formidable force in Major League Baseball.
As the season progresses, the Brewers’ blend of veteran acquisition and youthful exuberance, coupled with their stellar pitching, presents a compelling narrative of resilience and strategic prowess. The Milwaukee Brewers’ journey this season serves as a testament to the enduring virtues of humility, effort, and adaptability in the face of adversity.