Key Reads

Well, it may have been anticlimactic, but the Milwaukee Brewers have won another National League Central Division championship.

These Brewers entered the 2024 season with modest expectations. Sure they were coming off an NL Central division title in 2023, but they traded their ace, lost key players to injury and even saw their once-beloved manager defect to the deep pocket owners of the Chicago Schlubs.

Despite significant challenges, they managed to play an exciting brand of baseball the entire season. The year was marked by a pitching staff that, despite missing those key players due to injuries or trades, still managed to perform admirably. Freddy Peralta, with his significant strikeout numbers, and other pitchers like Colin Rea and mid-season pickup Aaron Civale, showcased why the Brewers’ pitching could still be a strength, ranking ninth in ERA among other metrics. They have used have an amazing 16 different starting pitchers and a dozen pitchers have recorded a save for the Crew so far this season.

Offensively, the Brewers found their stride, particularly in the latter part of the season, showcasing a potent attack that helped them secure victories in crucial games. They are the only MLB team to not lose four straight games at any point during the course of the season. William Contreras and Willy Adames have been standout performers, with Contreras leading in several batting categories for most of the season and Adames contributing significantly with RBIs and home runs, including an MLB record tying 13, 3-run blasts so far.

The Brewers’ season was also characterized by strategic roster moves by the front office. Jackson Chourio was signed to a huge multi-year deal without MLB experience, in retrospect that huge payday may turn out to be a bargain. Brandon Woodruff missed the entire season Devin Williams missed the first half, and Christian Yelich has been on the shelf for the second. But this team, which saw 58 different players contribute on the field over the course of the last 6 months, is relentless and resilient.

Manager Pat Murphy has displayed an acumen that far surpassed the man he replaced. Greg Somethingorother.

So they’ve won the Division and made the playoffs again. But this team is built for a deep playoff run. Here’s to a healthy home stretch and fun October baseball.

We have Brewers Fever, here at Dairyland Sentinel and we’re not ashamed to admit it.