As the Milwaukee Brewers engage in the 2024 season, they find themselves navigating through a mosaic of challenges and transitions that have reshaped their roster and strategy. The previous season saw the Brewers clinching 92 victories and winning the National League Central crown, a significant accomplishment under the stellar guidance of Craig Counsell. However, Counsell's departure to manage the Chicago Cubs signifies a notable shift in the team's leadership.
Transitions in the Pitching Roster
This season, the Brewers' pitching dynamics have drastically altered. The immensely talented Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, and Adrian Houser made his move to the New York Mets. To further complicate matters, Brandon Woodruff is expected to miss the entire season due to persistent shoulder issues, and Wade Miley underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Robert Gasser's elbow surgery adds to the Brewers' mound misfortunes.
These absences have substantially impacted the Brewers' starting rotation. They now find themselves perilously near the bottom in several critical statistical categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts, and quality-start percentage. These metrics underscore the pressing need for reinforcement in their starting lineup, a challenge that the organization has yet to address substantially.
Strength in the Bullpen
Contrastingly, the Brewers' bullpen remains a beacon of reliability. Ranked fourth in MLB in relief ERA, the bullpen’s effectiveness has provided the team some solace amid their starting rotation's struggles. This high ranking reflects the bullpen's ability to limit runs and sustain leads, serving as a crucial component of their overall strategy.
Offensive Prowess
On the offensive front, the Brewers have managed to maintain a top-tier performance, currently holding the seventh spot in MLB for runs scored. This offensive vigor has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive within the National League, despite the pitching adversities.
Financial Constraints
Financially, the Brewers are operating within constraints that limit their flexibility in addressing these gaps through big-ticket acquisitions. According to Cot's/Baseball Prospectus estimates, the Brewers' payroll ranks in the bottom-ten across MLB. This limited budget is a critical factor in their approach to team building and player acquisitions.
There is a sentiment within the organization that, despite their division-leading status and the National League's third-best record, heavy spending or trading top prospects for immediate pitching help is unlikely. "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," shared sources familiar with the organization's strategy.
As the season progresses, the Brewers’ ability to sustain their performance amidst these constraints will be a narrative to watch. Their bullpen and offensive strengths continue to provide a foundation, but the resolution of their starting rotation's issues remains a critical factor for their continued success.