Milwaukee Brewers' star outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season. Yelich, who has battled persistent back issues throughout his career, will undergo season-ending back surgery this Friday. The announcement came on Thursday as both Yelich and the Brewers confirmed the news.
Despite his ongoing struggles with back problems, Yelich was having an impressive bounceback season before his injury. He posted a .315/.406/.504 slash line, hit 11 home runs, and stole 21 bases over 73 games, leading to a stellar 152 OPS+. Yelich last took to the field on July 23 before being sidelined by inflammation in his lower back.
Surgery and Recovery
The procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz. Yelich expressed his commitment to returning stronger, stating, “After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery. 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 acknowledged the disappointment of not being able to contribute to the team during the critical stretch of the season but showed unwavering support for his teammates. “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. Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!”
The Brewers’ Current Standings
The Milwaukee Brewers are in a strong position this season. Despite Yelich’s absence, they have managed an 11-9 record since his injury, maintaining an overall standing of 69-52. They hold a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball. The team attempted to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline but were unsuccessful.
The Brewers' regular lineup includes left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. This depth in the roster is a testament to the team's preparedness to tackle the challenges ahead without their star outfielder.
Yelich's Contract and Career
This year marks the fifth year of Yelich's nine-year, $215 million contract extension signed in March 2020. He stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. Despite his significant contributions at the plate, Yelich's defensive metrics have graded out as below average at this point in his career.
Persistent back problems have been a recurring theme for Yelich, making it crucial for him to address this issue decisively. The upcoming surgery aims to put these problems behind him, allowing for a healthier, stronger return next season.
The Brewers, equipped with a deep roster and strong standings, are poised to continue their journey towards postseason success. The confidence within the team and from its star player suggests that they remain optimistic despite the setback.
Christian Yelich's journey through ups and downs epitomizes the resilience and determination required in professional sports. Brewers fans will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field, but his words and spirit continue to resonate: “Go Brewers!”