Baseball has a way of keeping its participants humble, and the Milwaukee Brewers have been living proof of this age-old adage. As the 2023 season began, skepticism loomed large over the Brewers. In the wake of significant offseason losses, many doubted their capacity to contend. The departure of stalwart manager Craig Counsell, top executive David Stearns, and ace pitcher Corbin Burnes seemed to signal the onset of a difficult season. Yet, against all odds, the Brewers have defied expectations and positioned themselves as a formidable force.
Overcoming Early Skepticism
The Brewers faced an uphill battle from the start. With the loss of key personnel, both on and off the field, maintaining their competitive edge was no small feat. However, by late August, Milwaukee held the largest division lead in all of Major League Baseball. This remarkable turnaround can be attributed to a series of astute roster moves and the emergence of younger talent.
Key additions like Rhys Hoskins and Gary Sánchez have bolstered the Brewers' lineup. Moreover, the contributions of younger hitters such as William Contreras, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Garrett Mitchell have exceeded expectations. One standout, Brice Turang, has emerged as one of the league’s premier defensive second basemen. Turang not only successfully swiped 37 bases on 42 attempts, but he also maintained a disciplined approach at the plate, whiffing on just 13% of his swings while focusing on grounders and line drives.
Breakout Performances
Perhaps the most exciting development has been the emergence of Jackson Chourio. The young phenom has boasted a .900 OPS since June, significantly reducing his swing rate and making consistent quality contact. Despite not having taken a major league at-bat before this season, Chourio was guaranteed $82 million—a testament to the Brewers’ belief in his potential. The young outfielder is expected to achieve a coveted 20-20 season, further solidifying his place in the team’s future.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, the Brewers continue to excel. Milwaukee's pitching staff remains among the best in the National League. Bryan Hudson has compiled a stellar 1.65 ERA over 38 appearances, while Tobias Myers has maintained a 2.81 ERA in 19 games, including 18 starts. Colin Rea has posted a 119 ERA+ and an impressive 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23 appearances. Jared Koenig has also been a revelation, achieving a 2.09 ERA across 47 1/3 innings this season.
It's no surprise that "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." The pitching ingenuity has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's success, and Castro’s influence appears to be instrumental in nurturing the team's talented arms.
Season-End Prospects
Despite sustaining a blow with Christian Yelich's season-ending back surgery, the Brewers have managed to maintain momentum. With a record of 72-52 as of Tuesday, they have dominated their NL Central counterparts, boasting a 25-14 record and outscoring them by 54 runs in head-to-head games. Against all other opponents, Milwaukee holds a respectable 47-38 mark.
Moving forward, the Brewers will play 13 more games against divisional rivals before the season concludes. Given their current standing, they are well-positioned to secure consecutive NL Central crowns for the first time in franchise history—an achievement that would underscore their resilience and determination.
The narrative of the Milwaukee Brewers this season is one of humility turned to triumph. From the skepticism that clouded the start of their journey to the stunning performances that have characterized their progress, the Brewers have demonstrated what it means to stay committed and focused. As the season heads into its final stretch, Milwaukee's mix of seasoned players and emerging talents will undoubtedly be one to watch.