The Brewers became the first team to clinch a spot in the 2024 MLB Postseason after Milwaukee won the NL Central on September 18. Milwaukee is assured at least one of the top three spots in the National League after what was a whirlwind offseason that saw the Brewers lose their manager and 2023 ace, among others. However, new and returning faces helped pick up the slack.
A Resurgent Offense
In 2023, the Brewers offense could have been considered many things, including frustrating. Yes, Milwaukee saw a resurgence from Christian Yelich, as well as slug from Willy Adames and William Contreras. However, the offense for Milwaukee didn’t find its stride until late in the summer when Carlos Santana and Mark Canha came over in midseason trades. Still, the Brewers offense ranked, as a whole, as average in 2023, as Milwaukee finished 17th in runs scored and 23rd in OPS.
This season, things were different. The Brewers ranked fourth in runs scored (735) and 11th in team OPS (.734).
One could argue — and have a strong argument at that — Milwaukee’s offense is significantly deeper this season. Brice Turang turned into a terrific sparkplug against right-handers and had a good case for an NL All-Star nomination. Willy Adames belted 32 home runs and set a career-high in RBI (109), while offseason acquisition Rhys Hoskins — who has a knack for coming through in October — belted 25 home runs in 2024.
And, a certain youngster’s play a key role in how the Brewers’ offense has changed over a year.
The Birth of a Star
Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio came into 2024 with high expectations. Milwaukee locked up Chourio to a 10-year extension before he even played a MLB game. The 20-year-old showcased plus power and speed in his Minor League career and Brewers fans saw those tools on full display. But, it took a while for him to find his stride.
He batted .243/.294/.384 with nine home runs and 21 extra-base hits over the first half. Good numbers but things turned after the All-Star break. The 20-year-old blasted 32 extra-base hits and 67 hits between July 18-September 18.
Chourio ranked tied for third in the Majors in total extra-base hits and tied for fourth in hits over that span. In total, those figures and his 20 stolen base helped propel Chourio to become the youngest 20-20 player in MLB history.
The Brewers rookie wasn’t just one of the best rookies but one of the best players overall since the All-Star break. He’s done it in different; yes, there have been home runs but also squeakers Chourio’s taken the other way. And, strikeouts (17.0% K% over the second half) haven’t been a problem.
Timely Pitching
Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been its strength for years. Just last year, Milwaukee ranked in the top six in both starters and relievers’ ERA but the Brewers were tested in 2024.
Corbin Burnes was dealt just weeks before the 2024 season, his last before hitting free agency. Brandon Woodruff, non-tendered and re-signed in the offseason, was unavailable all year. And their closer, Devin Williams, was shut down for the first half after back troubles. And to add insult to injury, Milwaukee also lost starters Wade Miley and Robert Gasser in-season.
Still, the Brewers’ pitching staff held up. As of September 19, Milwaukee starters ranked 16th in ERA (4.02) and 22nd in SIERA (4.26). Freddy Peralta (3.69 ERA, 193 K over 168.1 IP) came as advertised. Colin Rea logged quality innings. However, the biggest surprise of 2024 turned out to be Tobias Myers.
For those who’ve read our fantasy coverage this season, we’ve noted Myers’ ability to make batters look silly with his fastball. It might look diminutive at first glance given he’ll throw his four-seamer in the low-90s but Myers gets plus ride on the pitch. Add in midseason acquisitions Frankie Montas and Aaron Civale, and you’ll find a rotation ready for October.
Bullpen-wise, the Brewers were fine without Devin Williams. Trevor Megill held down the ninth inning with efficiency after Abner Uribe and Joel Payamps got looks in the ninth inning. Megill notched 20 saves this season for Milwaukee.
And, it’s hard to talk about the Brewers’ bullpen without Jared Koenig. The lefty owns a 2.47 ERA and struck out 60 this season for Milwaukee, key given the struggles of Hoby Milner.
How the Brewers Look Heading into October
The Brewers are in a good position relatively speaking but the same could be said last year. Milwaukee, with their dominant rotation, faced a D-Backs team that backed into the MLB Postseason, only to be swept by Arizona. Can the Brewers avoid the same fate in 2024?
Without Christian Yelich, it will be tough. While Yelich isn’t the power threat he once was, his ability to hit and get on-base was impactful. The former NL MVP posted a .909 OPS before his season ended thanks to back surgery.
What does work in the Brewers’ favor is that their offense looks more balanced and deeper in 2024, with a combination of power, speed, and ability to get on base. Which, was what the D-Backs had last October.