Baseball has a unique way of instilling humility in even its most accomplished participants, and the Milwaukee Brewers stand as a testament to this enduring truth.
As the season began, skepticism surrounded the Brewers. Many expected them to falter following significant offseason losses. The departure of manager Craig Counsell, top executive David Stearns, and ace pitcher Corbin Burnes seemed to signal a daunting setback for the team. Yet, despite these hurdles, Milwaukee has demonstrated once again that resilience is a cornerstone of success in baseball.
Unexpected Rise
By late August, Milwaukee held the largest division lead in all of Major League Baseball. Their surprising ascent can be attributed to a combination of strategic acquisitions and the emergence of young talent. The Brewers bolstered their roster with notable additions such as Rhys Hoskins and Gary Sánchez, adding depth and experience to their lineup.
Moreover, the Brewers have benefitted from the emergence of younger hitters like William Contreras, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Garrett Mitchell. These young players have collectively filled the void left by departures and have provided the consistency and spark required for a sustained run.
Key Contributors
Brice Turang has been a revelation this season, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive second basemen. His impressive stat line includes successfully swiping 37 bases on 42 attempts and whiffing on just 13% of his swings, which reveals his focus on grounders and line drives. This level of play has proven invaluable to Milwaukee's defensive efforts.
Jackson Chourio has also made waves, boasting a .900 OPS since June. His reduced swing rate has translated into consistent, quality contact, cementing him as an integral part of the lineup. Astoundingly, Chourio was guaranteed $82 million before taking a single major league at-bat and is expected to achieve a 20-20 season.
Pitching Prowess
On the mound, Milwaukee's pitching remains among the best in the National League. Bryan Hudson has compiled a remarkable 1.65 ERA over 38 appearances, while Tobias Myers holds a solid 2.81 ERA in 19 games, 18 of which were starts. Colin Rea’s performance has not gone unnoticed either, with a 119 ERA+ and a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23 appearances. Additionally, Jared Koenig's 2.09 ERA across 47 1/3 innings this season has further solidified the Brewers' pitching dominance.
"The Brewers have excelled in getting the most from their pitchers in recent years -- some of our sources have talked up Cameron Castro as a key on that end," shared an insider, highlighting the importance of coaching in developing their rotation.
Challenges Ahead
The Brewers have not been without their challenges. Christian Yelich, a key player, underwent season-ending back surgery, an unfortunate blow to the team's offensive capabilities. Despite this setback, Milwaukee maintains a formidable record. As of Tuesday, they boast a 72-52 record, with a 25-14 performance against NL Central teams, outscoring them by 54 runs in head-to-head contests. Against all other opponents, the Brewers have a 47-38 mark, underscoring their ability to compete broadly.
Looking forward, the Brewers have 13 more games to play against their division rivals before the season's end. Sitting in a strong position, Milwaukee is well on their way to securing consecutive NL Central crowns for the first time in franchise history.
The 2023 season has been one of overcoming doubts and demonstrating resilience for the Brewers. Though the road has been fraught with challenges, the collective efforts of seasoned veterans and emerging stars have positioned Milwaukee for what could be an historic finish.