Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. The announcement came on Thursday from both Yelich and the Brewers, marking another tough chapter in Yelich's ongoing battle with persistent back issues that have plagued much of his career.
Yelich last took the field on July 23 and has since been sidelined with lower back inflammation. His decision to go under the knife was not made lightly. "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."
Dr. Brandon Rebholz will perform the procedure, a move Yelich hopes will help him return to top form. Before his injury, Yelich was having a remarkable bounceback season, boasting a .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games, translating to an impressive 152 OPS+. Despite his struggles with back issues, Yelich was proving his mettle and showing why he remains an integral part of the Brewers' lineup.
"We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch," said Yelich. "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' lineup, which includes left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, has managed an 11-9 record since Yelich's injury. Even without Yelich, the team holds a nine-game lead in the NL Central and boasts the largest division lead in baseball. Clearly, the deep roster has managed to step up in his absence, underscoring the organization's resilience and depth.
Efforts were made to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline, but those efforts fell short. Still, the Brewers have shown they are capable of holding their ground as they march toward the postseason. The team's current overall standing is an impressive 69-52, a testament to their strength and adaptability.
Yelich's back problems have been a recurrent issue throughout his career, often limiting his defensive capabilities. Despite being under contract through 2028 with a $215 million extension signed in March 2020, his defensive metrics have graded him out as below average at this point in his career. Nevertheless, his offensive production has been invaluable to the Brewers, making his absence felt even as the team continues to thrive.
Looking forward, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. The commitment from the Brewers to Yelich and vice versa is clear, as they both aim for a return to peak performance next season.
While Yelich focuses on his recovery, the Brewers are gearing up for the challenges ahead, demonstrating a blend of skill, strategy, and determination. Yelich’s sentiments echo the faith he has in his team's ability to succeed without him for the remainder of the season. As he prepares for surgery and the subsequent recovery period, all eyes will be on the Brewers to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure their position in the postseason.