Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder Christian Yelich announced on Thursday that he will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. This decision, a poignant marker in Yelich's career, stems from his ongoing struggle with persistent back issues that have plagued him for years.
Yelich's most recent game was on July 23. Since then, the Brewers have maintained steady performance with an 11-9 record without their star player. Their overall standing remains robust at 69-52, commanding a substantial nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball.
The 32-year-old outfielder has made the decision after consultations with medical personnel. "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery," Yelich said. Acknowledging the weight of his decision, Yelich added, "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."
Despite his absence, the Brewers find solace in their depth. The team’s regular lineup boasts left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. Although the attempts to secure a left-handed hitter to replace Yelich before the July 30 trade deadline were unsuccessful, the Brewers are well-positioned to tackle the challenges without him.
Before his injury derailed a promising campaign, Yelich was enjoying a remarkable bounce-back season. He posted an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, hit 11 home runs, and swiped 21 bases over 73 games. These numbers contributed to a formidable 152 OPS+, reaffirming his importance to the team's offensive production.
The road to recovery won't be unfamiliar terrain for Yelich, who has a history of back problems. His latest bout with lower back inflammation has persisted since July. This year also marks the fifth season of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension he signed in March 2020. From 2025 to 2028, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually, with a $20 million mutual option for the 2029 season.
Yelich’s defensive metrics have shown some decline, indicating below-average performance in recent evaluations. Nevertheless, his offensive prowess remains undeniable. This season, in particular, was a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back from past adversities.
The scheduled surgery will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz. While the procedure marks the end of Yelich’s 2024 season, there is optimism about his return. "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 expressed. However, he emphasized his faith in the team, saying, "I have the utmost confidence in my teammates and will be cheering them on with all of you, the great fans of Milwaukee."
Yelich's absence is undoubtedly a setback, but the Brewers' depth and current standings suggest they are well-equipped for the playoff hunt. His message to the fans, filled with appreciation and hope, underscores his unwavering commitment to the team and its supporters. "Thank you for all your support. Go Brewers!" Yelich concluded, leaving no doubt about his dedication to returning stronger next season.
As the Brewers move forward, they embrace the challenge with a formidable roster, a solid division lead, and the resolve to finish the season strong without their star outfielder. The focus now shifts to maintaining their position and making a deep run in the playoffs, with Yelich cheering from the sidelines and aiming for a full recovery for the 2025 season.