As the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season nears its conclusion with just seven days remaining before the postseason, the narrative of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Guardians stands out remarkably. Both teams have navigated tumultuous seasons, overcoming significant hurdles to show their resilience and determination on the diamond.
Milwaukee Brewers: A Season of Highs and Lows
The Milwaukee Brewers faced one challenge after another, with injuries to pivotal players such as Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams testing their depth and resolve. Early in the season, Christian Yelich showcased his prowess, propelling the team forward. Unfortunately, a post-All-Star break injury sidelined him, creating a void that was seamlessly filled by rookie sensation Jackson Chourio. Chourio’s emergence was a bright spot in an otherwise trying season for the Brewers.
Further shaking up the roster, the Brewers traded their ace, Corbin Burnes, to the Orioles, a decision that raised eyebrows across the league. Additionally, losing their manager to the Cubs added another layer of adversity. Despite these setbacks, the Brewers managed to stay competitive, thanks to contributions from players like William Contreras, Brice Turang, Willy Adames, and Joey Ortiz. Reflecting on the team’s resilience, the author noted, "Quick summary: Impeccable work, Brewers. Atrocious work, Matt."
Cleveland Guardians: Defying Expectations
In stark contrast to the Brewers, the Cleveland Guardians began their season under a cloud of skepticism. Predicted to finish fourth in the AL Central and ranked 24th in the pre-spring power rankings, their prospects seemed dim. However, under the new management of Stephen Vogt, who took over after Terry Francona’s departure, the Guardians quickly turned the tables.
One of the standout stories from their season was the bullpen, which emerged as the best in baseball by a considerable margin. The author even highlighted, "The Guardians' bullpen has been the best in baseball by a mile all season." This stellar bullpen performance was anchored by Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Clase.
On the offensive side, José Ramírez provided consistent firepower, while Josh Naylor delivered the necessary power-hitting. Steven Kwan excelled as one of the league’s top table-setters for several months, and David Fry emerged as a key contributor. The pitching rotation, however, faced its own challenges with the loss of Shane Bieber and underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. Despite these hurdles, the Guardians’ bullpen and resilient lineup kept their postseason hopes alive. Summarizing the Guardians' shockingly successful season, the author quipped, "Quick summary: The Guardians rule, Matt drools."
With these narratives in place, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the regular season. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the unfolding postseason dramas. As the author confidently declared, "Bring it on."