Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. This announcement came on Thursday from Yelich and the Brewers, marking a significant setback for both the player and the team amid a season filled with high hopes.
Persistent back issues have plagued much of Yelich's career. His latest struggle with lower back inflammation has kept him off the field since July 23, casting a shadow over an otherwise remarkable bounceback season. Before the injury, Yelich was putting up impressive numbers with a .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases in just 73 games, translating to a 152 OPS+.
“After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery,” Yelich stated. “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.”
The surgery will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, aiming to address the persistent issues that have hampered Yelich's performance and availability over recent years. Despite his setbacks, Yelich’s leadership and on-field dynamism have been crucial for the Brewers.
Yelich’s return to form this season was a testament to his resilience and skill. However, his defensive metrics have shown a decline, reflecting the physical toll injuries have taken on him. This year also marked the fifth year of his nine-year, $215 million contract extension signed in March 2020, a deal that underscores his importance to the franchise. From 2025 to 2028, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029 adding further to the investment the Brewers have made in his future contributions.
“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 said. “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 have managed admirably in Yelich's absence, posting an 11-9 record since his last game. Their current standing is 69-52, and they maintain a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball. The team's robust lineup, featuring left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, has proven its capability to step up in challenging times. Nonetheless, the team unsuccessfully sought to secure another left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline, aiming to bolster the lineup amidst Yelich’s injury woes.
The Brewers' preparedness to tackle this challenge without Yelich reflects their depth and resilience. The roster's strength and their dominant position in the standings offer some reassurance as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their stars. Yelich's absence will certainly be felt, but the team’s overall performance hints at a collective resolve to continue their successful trajectory.
While Yelich focuses on recovery, the Brewers will proceed with determination, constantly buoyed by the support of their passionate fan base and their confidence in each other. Yelich’s journey towards full health will be closely watched, with both player and team hopeful for a strong return next season.