The Milwaukee Brewers' star outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season after deciding to undergo season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. This announcement, made on Thursday by Yelich and the Brewers, marks another chapter in Yelich's ongoing battle with persistent back issues that have haunted much of his career.
Yelich's last appearance on the field was on July 23, a date that now serves as a temporal marker of an impressive season interrupted by injury. Up until his last game, Yelich had demonstrated a remarkable bounceback, boasting a .315/.406/.504 slash line, with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases across 73 games. His resurgence had translated to an impressive 152 OPS+.
The surgery will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, and it is hoped that this intervention will help alleviate the lower back inflammation that has been troubling Yelich since July. In a statement, Yelich shared his reasoning behind opting for the procedure, saying, "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery." He added, "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."
While Yelich's absence is undoubtedly a huge blow to the team, the Brewers have shown resilience. Since Yelich's injury, the team has managed a record of 11-9. It’s a testament to the depth of their roster and the strength of the team spirit. Notable left-handed hitters stepping up in the regular lineup include Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang.
The Brewers, currently standing at 69-52, hold a commanding nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball. This impressive positioning offers some comfort as they face the remainder of the season without their key player.
The team explored options to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful. Despite this setback, the Brewers’ performance and their current standings suggest a preparedness to tackle the challenges ahead. Yelich also emphasized his faith in the team, expressing, "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch. However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
Beyond performance, Yelich's contract situation is also of significant interest. This year marks the fifth year of his nine-year, $215 million contract extension, signed in March 2020. From 2025 to 2028, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. Despite his stellar offensive contributions when healthy, Yelich's defensive metrics at this point in his career rate him as below average.
For Yelich, the hope is that the surgery will provide the necessary relief to overcome the recurrent back issues and return to the field at full strength next season. Reflecting a positive outlook and gratitude, Yelich concluded his statement with appreciation towards the supporters, "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!"
As the Brewers continue their campaign, the absence of Christian Yelich will be keenly felt. Yet, the team's current form and the individuals stepping up in his place signify a steadfast resolve to sustain the momentum they've built throughout the season. The Brewers’ journey through the remaining games promises to be one watched with baited breath by their fans and the baseball community alike.