As the Milwaukee Brewers continue their 2024 season, they face a mixture of challenges and opportunities. The 2023 season was a successful campaign, with the team winning 92 games and securing the National League Central crown. However, this new season has seen a shift in leadership and a significant player turnover, raising questions about the team's direction.
Leadership Changes
One of the most noticeable changes for the Brewers is the departure of long-time manager Craig Counsell, who has taken over managerial duties at the Chicago Cubs. Counsell had been a cornerstone for the Brewers, and his move leaves a gap in both leadership and strategy that will be difficult to fill.
Player Movements
Compounding the managerial change are key player departures that have altered the team's dynamics. Notably, ace pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a significant loss for the Brewers' rotation. In addition, Adrian Houser has moved on to the New York Mets, further depleting the Brewers' starting pitching depth.
The pitching woes do not end with trades. Brandon Woodruff, another critical component of the Brewers' starting rotation, is likely sidelined for the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues. This is a significant blow, considering Woodruff's value and consistency on the mound.
Adding to the injury woes, Wade Miley underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that will keep him out of action for an extended period. Robert Gasser also needed elbow surgery, further limiting the Brewers' options on the mound.
Pitching Challenges
Given these circumstances, it's not surprising that the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation ranks near the bottom of several key statistical categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. The lack of reliable starters has placed a considerable strain on the rest of the team.
Strength Despite Adversity
Despite these setbacks, the Brewers' bullpen has been a bright spot, ranked fourth in Major League Baseball in relief ERA. This strong performance by the bullpen has been crucial in keeping the team competitive in games where the starting rotation has faltered.
The Brewers' offense has also been a beacon of hope, ranked seventh in MLB for runs scored. The ability to generate runs has provided the team with a fighting chance in many of their matchups, balancing out their pitching deficiencies to some extent.
Financial Constraints
Financially, the Brewers operate with a bottom-ten payroll, as estimated by Cot's Baseball Prospectus. This makes it challenging to pursue high-priced talent through free agency or to engage in big trades to bolster the roster mid-season.
Organization’s Stance
"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," according to sources familiar with the organization's thinking. This cautious approach might be a reflection of the team’s financial constraints or a strategy to build for sustainable success rather than short-term gains.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, the Brewers’ ability to adapt to their current challenges will be under close scrutiny. Can the bullpen and offense continue to carry the load, or will the starting rotation's shortcomings prove too much to overcome? Much will depend on the team’s resilience and the front office's strategic decisions, which might define the trajectory of the Brewers’ 2024 season.