In a significant blow to their campaign, the Milwaukee Brewers will finish the 2024 MLB season without their star outfielder, Christian Yelich. The announcement on Thursday revealed that Yelich is set to undergo season-ending back surgery on Friday, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a remarkable comeback season for the talented player.
Yelich last took the field on July 23 and has since been grappling with persistent back issues that have recurrently troubled him throughout his career. The 32-year-old decided to take definitive action after much deliberation and consultation with medical professionals, a decision he articulated thoughtfully.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich stated. "I ultimately felt it was in the best interest of myself and the Brewers to have the surgery with the expectation of being back at 100% for next season."
The surgery, to be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, aims to address the lower back inflammation that has plagued Yelich since July. Despite the distressing turn of events, Yelich remains optimistic and supportive of his team, expressing his disappointment at not being able to contribute on the field during such a critical juncture of the season.
"We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," he shared. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
Before his injury, Yelich was in the midst of an astounding bounce-back season. He was sporting an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 73 games. These robust numbers translated to a stellar 152 OPS+, underscoring his offensive prowess and the significant impact of his absence on the Brewers' lineup.
The Brewers, currently sitting at an overall standing of 69-52 and holding a commanding nine-game lead in the NL Central - the largest division lead in baseball - have had to navigate without Yelich since late July. Impressively, the team has managed an 11-9 record since his departure, which speaks volumes about their depth and resilience.
Milwaukee's roster features a contingent of talented left-handed hitters including Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. The front office made efforts to secure a left-handed hitter to fill Yelich's void before the July 30 trade deadline but was unsuccessful. This puts the onus on the existing players to step up and shoulder the load in his absence.
Yelich, who is in the fifth year of a nine-year, $215 million contract extension signed in March 2020, is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028. His contract also includes a $20 million mutual option for 2029. The Brewers' decision to invest long-term in Yelich underscores their belief in his value, both as a player and a leader.
Despite his offensive contributions, Yelich’s defensive metrics have been a point of concern, grading him out as below average at this stage of his career. Nonetheless, his presence in the lineup has been a critical factor in the Brewers’ success over the years, and his absence will be felt keenly as they push towards the postseason.
Yelich concluded his statement with gratitude and an upbeat message to the fans: "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
While the loss of Yelich certainly presents a challenge, the Brewers' strong position and the depth of their roster provide reasons for optimism. As they aim to maintain their division lead and make a deep playoff run, the team will look to rally together and continue their winning ways.