As the Milwaukee Brewers progress through their 2024 season, they find themselves in a fascinating yet challenging position. After an impressive 2023 season in which they won 92 games and clinched the National League Central title, the club is navigating a year marked by significant changes and unexpected hurdles.
Managerial and Roster Changes
The most noticeable shift came when Craig Counsell, who had long steered the Brewers from the dugout, took on a new challenge by becoming the manager of the Chicago Cubs. In conjunction with this, the Brewers have seen a substantial turnover in their pitching staff. Ace Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a move that sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Additionally, Adrian Houser was relocated to the New York Mets.
Adding to the pitching woes, Brandon Woodruff is dealing with persistent shoulder issues, likely sidelining him for the entirety of the season. Moreover, Wade Miley has undergone Tommy John surgery, and Robert Gasser required elbow surgery, leaving the Brewers’ pitching rotation severely depleted.
Current Performance
The impact of these losses is evident in the team’s statistical performance. Despite their best efforts, the Brewers' starting rotation finds itself near the bottom of several key categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. It's a stark contrast to their bullpen, which has emerged as one of the bright spots this season, ranking fourth in MLB in relief ERA.
While the pitching staff faces challenges, the Brewers’ offense has been a source of strength, ranking seventh in MLB for runs scored. This offensive output has been crucial in keeping the team competitive, particularly given the limitations of their pitching staff.
Financial Constraints
The Brewers’ approach to roster management is further complicated by their financial situation. According to estimates from Cot's/Baseball Prospectus, Milwaukee operates with a bottom-ten payroll. This financial constraint has significant implications for how the team can address its needs midway through the season.
Sources familiar with the organization’s thinking suggest that, despite leading their division with one of the National League's best records, the Brewers are unlikely to remedy their pitching deficiencies through big spending or by trading top prospects at the deadline. "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," the source disclosed.
Outlook
The Brewers have proven resilient, leveraging a robust bullpen and a potent offense to stay competitive in a tumultuous season. However, the loss of key pitchers and the cautious approach to acquisitions underscore the tightrope they walk between sustaining success and planning for the future. As the season progresses, the performances of fringe starters and the bullpen will undeniably be pivotal in determining if Milwaukee can replicate or even surpass their achievements from the previous year.
No doubt, the 2024 season is set to be a defining period for the Milwaukee Brewers, testing both their depth and their strategic vision.