The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is racing toward its climax. With just seven days remaining before the postseason, fans are on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds in both leagues.
Milwaukee Brewers: An Unexpected Roller Coaster
The Milwaukee Brewers have experienced a whirlwind season. The team confronted multiple hurdles, including injuries to key players like Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams. This disrupted their momentum during critical stretches of the season. Despite these setbacks, the Brewers made a significant mid-season move by trading ace Corbin Burnes to the Orioles, a decision that left many questioning their postseason ambitions.
Moreover, the Brewers lost their manager to the Cubs, further challenging their stability. Yet, amidst these adversities, some players stepped up to keep the Brewers afloat. Christian Yelich delivered a spectacular performance early in the season before succumbing to a post-All-Star break injury. From that point, rookie sensation Jackson Chourio emerged as a key player, filling the void left by Yelich's absence and earning accolades for his contributions.
Other notable contributors included William Contreras, Brice Turang, Willy Adames, and Joey Ortiz, all of whom provided crucial support that kept the team competitive. It was a collective effort from a roster determined not to give in to the season’s challenges.
Reflecting on his preseason predictions, the author noted, "I picked the Brewers to finish last in the NL Central,” and humorously added, "Quick summary: Impeccable work, Brewers. Atrocious work, Matt."
Cleveland Guardians: Defying Expectations
On the other side of the MLB landscape, the Cleveland Guardians defied expectations in a way that few could have predicted. Initially forecasted to finish fourth in the AL Central and ranked 24th in pre-spring power rankings, the Guardians turned heads with their unexpected performance. "I had the Guardians finishing fourth in the AL Central and slotted them 24th in pre-spring power rankings," the author admitted.
The Guardians’ rise was anchored by their bullpen, which emerged as the best in baseball, leading the author to emphatically state, "The Guardians' bullpen has been the best in baseball by a mile all season." Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Clase played a pivotal role in this bullpen, providing unmatched stability and dominance throughout the season.
However, the Guardians faced significant challenges within their rotation. The loss of Shane Bieber, combined with underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, left gaps in their starting lineup that could have derailed their season. Despite these setbacks, the bullpen's exceptional performance and the consistency of key players ensured their competitiveness.
Offensively, José Ramírez was a constant threat, while Josh Naylor anchored the team’s power hitting. Steven Kwan excelled as one of the league’s best table-setters for several months, and David Fry emerged unexpectedly as a valuable contributor. In summarizing their season, the author quipped, "Quick summary: The Guardians rule, Matt drools."
Additionally, the Guardians underwent a managerial change, appointing Stephen Vogt as the new manager following Terry Francona's departure. This shift in leadership could have introduced uncertainty, but Vogt’s guidance appears to have contributed positively to their surprising performance.
Predicting the Future
As both teams gear up for the postseason, the author conceded, "Bring it on." The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the MLB season, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if the Brewers and Guardians can carry their late-season momentum into the playoffs. Notably, the author predicted the Phillies over the Orioles for the World Series, adding another layer of intrigue as the postseason commences.
The past months have illustrated the unpredictable nature of baseball, where preseason rankings and expert opinions can turn out to be mere footnotes in the grand narrative of the sport. As the postseason nears, one thing remains certain: the excitement and drama of the 2024 MLB season are far from over.