As the Milwaukee Brewers dive into their 2024 season, they find themselves in a position of both opportunity and challenge. Coming off a successful 2023 campaign where they secured 92 wins and clinched the National League Central title, the Brewers face considerable changes and uncertainty this year.
Leadership Changes
A significant shift in the team's dynamic occurred during the offseason when Craig Counsell, the Brewers' long-time manager, transitioned to managing the Chicago Cubs. The departure of Counsell heralds a new era for the Brewers' dugout, casting a spotlight on how this leadership change will impact the team's performance and morale.
Pitching Woes
The Brewers' pitching staff has been hit hard by trades and injuries, leaving their rotation in a precarious state. The departure of Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles and Adrian Houser's move to the New York Mets have left notable gaps. Adding to the woes, Brandon Woodruff is expected to miss the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues, a significant blow given his importance to the team's rotation.
The situation is further compounded by Wade Miley undergoing Tommy John surgery and Robert Gasser needing elbow surgery. These injuries have thinned the Brewers' pitching options considerably. As a result, Milwaukee's starting rotation ranks near the bottom in several key statistical areas, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. The need for reliable starting pitching is glaring.
Bullpen Strength and Offensive Prowess
While the starting rotation struggles, the Brewers' bullpen has stepped up impressively, ranking fourth in MLB in relief ERA. This bullpen strength has been crucial in keeping the team competitive in tight games. Milwaukee's offense has also been a bright spot, ranking seventh in MLB for runs scored. This offensive capability provides a solid foundation for the Brewers as they seek to build on their successes from the previous season.
Financial Constraints
Financially, the Brewers operate with a bottom-ten payroll according to Cot's/Baseball Prospectus estimates. This fiscal reality places limitations on their ability to make high-impact acquisitions through free agency or significant trades. Given their budget constraints, the team's management appears cautious about pursuing big spending or trading top prospects at the deadline to address their pitching needs. According to sources familiar with the organization’s thinking, "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 Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Brewers are navigating a complex landscape. The combination of a strong bullpen and an effective offense will be key to sustaining their performance. However, addressing their starting pitching remains a critical challenge. The approach management takes, whether seeking lower-cost solutions or relying on internal development, will be pivotal in determining how the Brewers fare this season.
With the memory of a successful 2023 and the reality of the current roster's challenges, the Brewers' journey through 2024 is one marked by resilience and strategic decision-making. The next few months will be telling as the team strives to adapt and compete at the highest level in Major League Baseball.