The Milwaukee Brewers are currently positioning themselves for an intriguing 2024 campaign, facing a mix of challenges and opportunities. Following a successful 2023 season with 92 wins and securing the National League Central crown, the team now finds itself in uncharted territory with significant changes both on and off the field.
Transition Period
One of the most notable off-season moves was the departure of long-time manager Craig Counsell, who took over the helm of the Chicago Cubs. Leadership changes can have a profound impact on a team's dynamics, and the Brewers are no exception. Counsell's departure leaves a void in experience and strategy, which the team will have to navigate under new managerial guidance.
The Brewers' pitching roster has also seen a dramatic overhaul. Corbin Burnes, a former Cy Young Award winner and a key component of the Brewers' rotation, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Adrian Houser made his way to the New York Mets, further depleting Milwaukee's pitching arsenal. Compounding these losses is the injury list: Brandon Woodruff is likely sidelined for the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues, Wade Miley has undergone Tommy John surgery, and Robert Gasser needed elbow surgery.
Pitching Woes
These changes have dealt a severe blow to the Brewers' starting rotation. Currently, the rotation ranks near the bottom of several key statistical categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. This lackluster performance from the starters puts additional pressure on the bullpen, which, fortunately for the Brewers, is showing resilience. The bullpen ranks fourth in MLB in relief ERA, providing a silver lining to an otherwise challenging situation.
Offensive Strengths
Despite these pitching struggles, the Brewers’ offense has been a bright spot. Ranked seventh in MLB for runs scored, the offensive lineup has demonstrated an ability to keep the team competitive. Run production is crucial, especially when the pitching staff is underperforming, and the Brewers have shown they can rise to the occasion in this area.
Financial Constraints
Financial considerations also loom large for the Brewers. Operating with a bottom-ten payroll according to Cot's/Baseball Prospectus estimates, the organization faces limitations in how aggressively they can pursue reinforcements. This constraint impacts their ability to fill the gaps left by their pitching departures and injuries through big spending or high-profile trades.
Sources familiar with the organization’s thinking suggest that the 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. This cautious approach suggests a reliance on internal development and strategic, low-cost acquisitions to bolster the roster.
Outlook
As the season progresses, the Brewers find themselves at a critical juncture. The combination of strong offensive play and a sturdy bullpen can keep them competitive in the short term. However, the long-term success of their 2024 campaign will likely hinge on how effectively they can address their starting rotation deficiencies without overextending their financial limitations.
The departure of Craig Counsell, the losses of Corbin Burnes and Adrian Houser, and the injuries to key pitchers like Brandon Woodruff, Wade Miley, and Robert Gasser present substantial obstacles. Yet, the resilience of their bullpen and the potency of their offense offer glimmers of hope for Milwaukee fans.
With a new manager at the helm, the Brewers will need to find innovative solutions and foster the next generation of talent to remain atop the National League Central. The remainder of the season promises to be a test of endurance and adaptability for Milwaukee, and how they navigate this challenging landscape will define their 2024 journey.