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, made on Thursday by Yelich and the Brewers, confirms that the star player will undergo the procedure performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz.
Yelich's chronic back issues have plagued him for much of his career. Despite these persistent problems, he was enjoying a remarkable bounceback season. Before his injury forced him off the field on July 23, Yelich posted an impressive .315/.406/.504 slash line, 11 home runs, and 21 stolen bases over 73 games. His performance reflected a 152 OPS+, a testament to his resurgence.
Reflecting on his decision to undergo surgery, Yelich stated, "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery. 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." He acknowledged the difficulty of not being able to contribute on the field, saying, "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch." However, Yelich expressed confidence in his teammates, adding, "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 been navigating Yelich’s absence since July. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t secure a left-handed hitter to replace him before the July 30 trade deadline. Nonetheless, the team's depth has allowed them to remain competitive. The Brewers' lineup features left-handed hitters like Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. Since Yelich's injury, the Brewers have managed an 11-9 record, maintaining a strong overall standing of 69-52.
Currently, the Brewers hold a nine-game lead in the NL Central, the largest division lead in baseball, underscoring their robust performance this season. Their deep roster and resilient play suggest they are well-equipped to handle the final stretch of the season without their star outfielder.
Yelich's latest bout of lower back inflammation surfaced in July and has sidelined him since. This surgery marks a significant moment in the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. He is set to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. While his defensive metrics have graded below average recently, Yelich's offensive prowess remains valued by the Brewers.
The decision to opt for surgery aims to ensure Yelich's long-term health and readiness for the upcoming seasons. The Brewers remain hopeful for his full recovery and eventual return to peak performance. In the meantime, the team will continue to lean on their depth and collective strength as they pursue their postseason aspirations.
As the Brewers forge ahead, the absence of Christian Yelich from the lineup presents a significant challenge. Still, the team's resilience and strategic depth offer a promising path forward. With a robust lead in the NL Central and a talented roster, the Brewers are poised to navigate this setback and continue their quest for success in the 2024 season.