Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is set to miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. The announcement, delivered jointly by Yelich and the Brewers on Thursday, marks a challenging moment for both the player and the team as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Yelich has faced persistent back issues throughout his career, sidelining him for significant periods. His latest struggle with lower back inflammation has kept him out of play since July 23. Despite his health challenges, Yelich was having an exceptional season, exhibiting a remarkable bounce-back performance with a .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His outstanding contributions translated to a 152 OPS+, reaffirming his value to the team.
“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 procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, who will aim to alleviate the back issues that have plagued Yelich for much of his career. Yelich also expressed his disappointment at not being able to contribute on the field during the critical final months of the season. “We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch,” he 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, currently standing at 69-52, are navigating this setback with impressive resilience. Their ability to maintain an 11-9 record since Yelich’s injury highlights the depth and versatility of the roster. Featuring left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, the lineup remains robust. However, the team did attempt, albeit unsuccessfully, to secure another left-handed hitter before the July 30 trade deadline as insurance against Yelich's absence.
The Brewers boast the largest division lead in baseball, currently holding a nine-game advantage in the NL Central. This strong standing provides a cushion as they move towards the postseason without their star outfielder. Furthermore, the depth highlighted by the current roster’s performance underscores their preparedness to tackle this challenge head-on.
Yelich's career has been marked not only by athletic prowess but also by notable contracts. The 2024 season marks the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in March 2020. Yelich is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his offensive metrics have been stellar, his defensive metrics have graded him as below average at this stage in his career. Nonetheless, his contributions at the plate and on the bases remain integral to the team’s success.
The Brewers organization and its fans are undoubtedly hoping for a full and swift recovery for Yelich. His planned return next season brings with it the anticipation of restored vigor and the continuation of his outstanding contributions to the team. As the Brewers pursue their postseason ambitions, the collective effort and resilience of the remaining roster will inevitably play a crucial role in their journey.
In the meantime, the support of the Milwaukee fan base, combined with Yelich's unwavering endorsement, will undoubtedly bolster the team's morale as they strive to clinch their division and advance in the playoffs. The anticipation for Yelich's return next season adds a hopeful dimension to an already compelling narrative of perseverance and teamwork.