The Unassuming Resurgence of the Milwaukee Brewers
Baseball has a peculiar, almost poetic way of maintaining the humility of its participants—no matter how high the stakes or how bright the lights. The Milwaukee Brewers, in their 2023 season, are an unadulterated testament to this enduring truth.
At the season’s outset, skepticism shrouded the Brewers like a thick fog. Few expected this underdog tale to unfold after the team’s considerable offseason changes. Manager Craig Counsell, top executive David Stearns, and ace pitcher Corbin Burnes all departed, casting an ominous shadow over Milwaukee’s prospects. But by late August, the Brewers had not just survived—they had thrived, boasting the largest division lead in all of Major League Baseball.Savvy Acquisitions and Emerging Talent
A significant key to the Brewers' unexpected performance has been their judicious roster bolstering. Additions like Rhys Hoskins and Gary Sánchez revitalized the team, blending well with the Brewers' established and emerging talents.
William Contreras, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Garrett Mitchell—all young hitters—demonstrated a remarkable maturity at the plate that belied their limited experience. Brice Turang, in particular, has become one of the league’s premier defensive second basemen, boasting an astonishing 37 stolen bases out of 42 attempts. Turang's plate discipline and strategic hitting, focusing more on grounders and line drives, resulted in a mere 13% whiff rate.
One cannot discuss Milwaukee's offensive prowess without highlighting Jackson Chourio. Posting a .900 OPS since June, Chourio refined his approach by reducing his swing rate and focusing on consistent, quality contact. His impressive performance earned him a guaranteed $82 million contract before he even took a major league at-bat. Many project him to achieve a 20-20 season, underscoring the Brewers’ long-term faith in his potential.Excellence on the Mound
It's not just the bats that have carried Milwaukee; their pitching remains among the National League's finest. Bryan Hudson has been particularly efficient, compiling a 1.65 ERA over 38 appearances. Tobias Myers also contributed significantly with a 2.81 ERA over 19 games, 18 of which were starts. Colin Rea’s versatility—evident in his 119 ERA+ and 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 23 appearances—has been vital. Jared Koenig emerged with a stellar 2.09 ERA in 47 1/3 innings this season.
As an anonymous source aptly noted, "The Brewers have excelled in getting the most from their pitchers in recent years -- some of our sources have talked up Cameron Castro as a key on that end."A Battle-Tested Team
Despite a few challenges—most notably Christian Yelich undergoing season-ending back surgery—the Brewers have been resilient. Holding a 72-52 record as of Tuesday, they have been particularly formidable against NL Central teams, achieving a 25-14 record and outscoring these divisional rivals by 54 runs in head-to-head games.
With a 47-38 mark against all other opponents, the Brewers have shown they can compete outside their division as well. As the season winds down, Milwaukee faces 13 more games against its divisional rivals, a critical stretch that could solidify their chance for consecutive NL Central crowns for the first time in franchise history.
Milwaukee’s journey this season serves as a compelling narrative of how skepticism, when met with tenacity and tactical brilliance, can transform into vindication. The Brewers have not merely weathered a storm; they have navigated it masterfully, embodying the timeless humility that defines the essence of baseball.