As the Milwaukee Brewers navigate through their 2024 season, they find themselves in an intriguing position. Coming off a strong 2023 season where they won 92 games and claimed the National League Central crown, the team now faces significant challenges, particularly in their pitching staff.
Offseason Changes Shake Up the Roster
The team experienced substantial turnover, which began with the departure of their long-time manager, Craig Counsell, who took the helm of the Chicago Cubs. The pitching staff was hit particularly hard. Corbin Burnes, a key component of the rotation, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, Adrian Houser moved to the New York Mets. These departures have had a profound impact on the team's starting pitching depth.
The struggles don’t stop there. Brandon Woodruff is likely to be sidelined for the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues, further straining the rotation. Wade Miley and Robert Gasser have also succumbed to injuries, with Miley undergoing Tommy John surgery and Gasser needing elbow surgery. These injuries have left the Brewers' starting rotation ranking near the bottom in several key statistical categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage.
Strength in the Bullpen and Offense
Despite these challenges, the Brewers have managed to find strength in other areas. The bullpen has been a standout, currently ranking fourth in MLB in relief ERA. This strong performance from the bullpen has been crucial in keeping the team competitive, especially given the struggles of the starting rotation.
The Brewers' offense has also been a bright spot, ranking seventh in MLB for runs scored. This offensive production has provided the necessary support for the team to remain at the top of their division, despite the difficulties on the pitching side. The balance between a strong bullpen and a productive offense has been key to their success so far.
Financial Constraints and Future Moves
Financially, the Brewers operate with a bottom-ten payroll, according to Cot's/Baseball Prospectus estimates. This financial constraint limits their ability to make significant strides in improving their pitching staff through big spending or by trading for top prospects. Sources familiar with the organization’s thinking have indicated that the Brewers, despite leading their division with the National League's third-best record, "don't seem inclined to fix that hole through big spending or by trading top prospects at the deadline." This decision points to a strategy focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
As the season progresses, the Brewers will need to rely on their bullpen and offense to maintain their competitive edge. The focus will likely be on developing internal options and finding value in less costly moves to address their pitching needs. This approach, while challenging, could pay off if the team remains patient and strategic in their decision-making.
In the meantime, fans can take solace in the fact that the Brewers are still winning games and leading their division despite the numerous obstacles they’ve faced. As the old saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way – and the Milwaukee Brewers are proving that resilience and resourcefulness can keep a team in contention even when the odds are stacked against them.