As the Milwaukee Brewers embark on the 2024 season, they find themselves in a complex and challenging landscape. Coming off a strong campaign in 2023 where they secured 92 wins and clinched the National League Central title, the Brewers are grappling with significant changes and hurdles.
Key Departures and Injuries
The offseason was marked by notable departures and unfortunate injuries. Long-time manager Craig Counsell made the surprising move to the Chicago Cubs. Perhaps even more impactful was the trade that sent ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles. Furthermore, Adrian Houser found a new home with the New York Mets, while Brandon Woodruff's persistent shoulder issues are projected to sideline him for the entirety of the season. Additionally, Wade Miley's Tommy John surgery and Robert Gasser's elbow surgery have further thinned the Brewers' pitching depth.
Struggling Starting Rotation
The departure and injuries have left a noticeable void in the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation, which now ranks near the bottom in several key statistical areas, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. The drop in performance is a stark contrast to their bullpen, which remains one of the strongest in MLB, ranking fourth in relief ERA.
Offensive Strength
Despite the pitching woes, the Brewers' offense has emerged as a bright spot. Ranked seventh in MLB for runs scored, the lineup has been a source of strength and consistency. However, the offensive prowess has not been enough to fully compensate for the deficiencies on the mound.
Financial Constraints
Financially, the Brewers operate with a bottom-ten payroll as estimated by Cot's/Baseball Prospectus. This fiscal constraint limits the team’s ability to make significant acquisitions, either through free agency or trade. This frugality extends to the front office's philosophy toward addressing team 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."
With these various challenges in mind, the Brewers are navigating a delicate balance of maintaining competitiveness while managing their financial realities and roster limitations. As the season progresses, how Milwaukee leverages its strengths and mitigates its weaknesses will be crucial in determining whether they can replicate or surpass last year's success and keep their position at the top of the NL Central.