Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. The announcement came on Thursday from Yelich and the Brewers, signaling a tough end to what had been a promising bounceback year for the former MVP.
Yelich has been battling persistent back issues that have plagued much of his career, and his latest bout of lower back inflammation has kept him sidelined since July 23. The procedure, aimed at addressing these lingering problems, will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz.
Prior to his injury, Yelich appeared to be in vintage form, flaunting a .315/.406/.504 slash line, with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His performance translated to an impressive 152 OPS+, reinstating his role as a key cog in the Brewers' offensive machine.
The Brewers had hoped to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Despite his absence, the team has managed an 11-9 record, with players like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang stepping up in the lineup. Milwaukee’s overall standing is now 69-52, boasting the largest division lead in baseball with a comfortable nine-game edge in the NL Central.
Yelich addressed his decision in a statement to the media. "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said. "I ultimately felt it was in the best interest of myself and the Brewers to have the surgery with the expectation of being back at 100% for next season."
His absence is undoubtedly a blow to the Brewers, but Yelich remains optimistic about the team’s chances. "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," he continued. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
While Yelich’s offensive numbers were stellar, his defensive metrics had graded out as below average at this point in his career. However, the Brewers' deep roster and their current standings suggest they are prepared to tackle the challenge without Yelich.
Yelich's current setback comes in the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in March 2020. Under this contract, he stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029.
The Brewers' ability to maintain their lead in the NL Central without Yelich will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With a talented roster and a significant cushion in the standings, the team has demonstrated resilience and depth. How they navigate the remainder of the season without their star outfielder will be critical as the playoff race intensifies.
The Brewers' roadmap to success is made more challenging without Yelich’s offensive prowess, but the team’s collective effort has so far proven effective. As Yelich embarks on his recovery journey, the Brewers will be looking to lock down their division and make a strong postseason run, with hopes of having their star contributor back to full strength next season.
In the ever-unpredictable world of Major League Baseball, Yelich’s return in 2025 with a clean bill of health would be a significant boost for a Brewers team poised to remain competitive. For now, Milwaukee will continue its pursuit of excellence, bolstered by contributions from its robust roster and the unwavering support of its fans.