Milwaukee Brewers Shine Again Despite Departures
For the second consecutive year, the Milwaukee Brewers hold the title for the best record in baseball, even after losing key players.
After clinching the National League Central in 2023, manager Craig Counsel, the franchise’s all-time winningest manager, opted for a deal with the Chicago Cubs. David Stearns, the highly regarded head of baseball operations, moved on to the New York Mets. Additionally, ace pitcher Corbin Burnes was traded to the Orioles for players with limited major league experience, while fellow ace Brandon Woodruff faces surgery on his throwing shoulder, sidelining him for all of 2024.
In spite of these significant losses, the Brewers improved from 92 wins to 93 in 2024, once again securing the NL Central title. However, they experienced heartbreak in the NL Wildcard series. As if the losses weren’t enough, All-Star closer Devin Williams was traded to the Yankees for a mid-tier prospect and an injury-prone starter. Popular shortstop Willie Adams, who led the team in home runs and RBIs, became a free agent and accepted a lucrative offer from the Giants that the Brewers couldn’t compete with.
There were expectations for the Brewers to take a step back, and for a while, it seemed so. On May 24th, they found themselves in fourth place in the NL Central, with fans suggesting a fire sale to rebuild with younger players. Yet, the very next day, the Brewers managed a comeback win, scoring three runs in the eighth inning to edge out the Pirates 6-5. Since then, they have gone an impressive 51-16, logging two of the season’s three longest winning streaks, including an ongoing 12-game streak that began on August 1. They turned a 6.5-game deficit into a 7.5-game lead in the division.
How did the Brewers manage to defy expectations and improve after such significant departures? There isn’t a straightforward answer, but it appears several factors are at play, creating a somewhat mystical vibe around their performance.
Those familiar with the Moneyball narrative might notice parallels between the 2002 Oakland Athletics and the 2025 Brewers. The A’s managed to enhance their record to 103 wins in 2002 despite losing three star players, including MVP runner-up Jason Giambi, speedy outfielder Johnny Damon, and closer Jason Isringhausen. General Manager Billy Beane replaced them with lesser-known players, resulting in success against all odds.
Like those Athletics, the Brewers operate under financial constraints, being in the smallest market in baseball with one of the least affluent owners, Mark Attanasio. In late 2021, he was ranked 27th in net worth among team owners, while the Brewers’ payroll ranked 20th in the league and 23rd in total salary.
The essence of Moneyball revolves around identifying undervalued skills. For the Brewers, while swing decisions were a key focus, the team has placed particular emphasis on base running and defense, identifying these as market inefficiencies. After winning Gold Glove awards in 2023 and 2024, the current Brewers excelled defensively, ranking high in various stats. They were second in stolen bases, showcasing their emphasis on baserunning.
The roster is rich with players who possess speed and defensive skills. Notable names include Brice Turang, Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, and Quinn Priest, all of whom have performed above average offensively this season.
Fans and commentators alike anticipated a big trade at the deadline, with rumors swirling around Eugenio Suárez. Instead, the Brewers opted for their usual approach, making small moves and acquiring bullpen help without sacrificing their promising prospects. This strategy fosters unprecedented depth within the organization, both at the MLB and minor league levels.
Milwaukee made one significant deal earlier in the season, trading a promising prospect and a competitive balance draft pick for Quinn Priest, a former first-round pick who had struggled in his previous stints. The Brewers worked to refine Priest’s skills, focusing on adjustments that led to an impressive record of 11-2 with a 3.49 ERA since his arrival.
This case exemplifies how the Brewers effectively understand and leverage player strengths. They consistently position players to succeed, allowing them to focus on their advantages while minimizing weaknesses. This depth has enabled the team to avoid overburdening players and creates an environment where individuals like Ortiz, Turang, and Durbin can thrive.
Yet, some enigmas still surround the team. How did they manage to revitalize Andrew Vaughn after a rough start in Chicago? And why do pitchers often excel after joining the Brewers? Such mysteries have perplexed fans, reminiscent of the so-called “Cardinals Devil Magic.”
While certain aspects remain unclear, the roster is not entirely mysterious. With several high draft picks and established stars like Christian Yelich and William Contreras, the Brewers have built a strong team. The front office, led by Matt Arnold, has done an extraordinary job maintaining balance and effectiveness, evident in their results.
The final question lingers: Can the Brewers break through and achieve postseason success? They aim to secure their first World Series title in the franchise’s 55-year history.
