In a significant blow to the Milwaukee Brewers' playoff aspirations, star outfielder Christian Yelich will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 MLB season. The former MVP is set to undergo season-ending back surgery on Friday, a decision announced jointly by Yelich and the Brewers on Thursday.
The surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, comes as a result of persistent back issues that have haunted Yelich throughout much of his career. Despite his efforts to play through the pain, the final straw came after his last game on July 23, leaving the Brewers without one of their most potent offensive weapons.
"After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said. "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."
Yelich was in the midst of a remarkable bounce-back season, boasting a .315/.406/.504 slash line with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His outstanding performance translated to a 152 OPS+, proving that when healthy, he remains one of the top hitters in the league.
"We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," Yelich added. "However, I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
Challenges Ahead for the Brewers
Since Yelich’s injury, the Brewers have managed an 11-9 record, demonstrating resilience in his absence. They currently hold a 69-52 overall standing, maintaining a formidable nine-game lead in the NL Central—the largest division lead in baseball.
Despite their efforts, securing a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline proved unsuccessful. The Brewers' regular lineup does include left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, who collectively must step up to fill the void left by Yelich.
Enduring Back Problems
This season marks the fifth year of Yelich’s nine-year, $215 million contract extension, signed in March 2020. He is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. However, Yelich's chronic back issues have been a cloud over his otherwise stellar career. The latest bout of lower back inflammation began in July, once again highlighting his struggle to stay healthy.
Yelich’s defensive metrics in recent seasons have also shown a decline, grading him as below average. This has brought additional challenges to both his personal performance and the Brewers’ outfield configuration.
Hope for a Full Recovery
Yelich remains optimistic about his recovery and the future. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" he concluded, underscoring his commitment to returning stronger next season.
The Brewers' current standings and roster depth suggest they are ready to tackle the challenge ahead, even without their star outfielder. It will now be up to the remaining team members and coaching staff to navigate the road to the postseason and leverage their solid position to maintain their lead in the NL Central.
As the Brewers push forward, the fans and organization will undoubtedly be rooting for both the team’s success and Yelich’s full recovery, hoping to see him back in action, injury-free, in 2025.