Why The Brewers Will Reach The Over
Developing Rookie Talent
After returning to the playoffs last year, the Milwaukee Brewers are once again giving their fans reason for optimism ahead of the 2024 season. As one of the better teams in the National League Central division, the Brewers are well-positioned to make the playoffs this year. Relying on a combination of promising rookie talent and the strength of their well-managed farm system to develop those players, the Brewers could prove to be a dominant force in the NL Central.
Known for their ability to spot and nurture raw talent, Milwaukee’s strong 2023 draft had players such as Tyler Black (3B) and Jackson Chourio (OF) making a noticeable impact last season. Outfielder Chourio brings a combination of power and speed to the team. Once he gets on base, he provides a real threat for stolen bases after finishing fifth in steals last year in the Double-A Southern League. This season promises to push more minor league talent into the spotlight as hard-hitting players like Cooper Pratt (SS), and Mike Boeve (3B) are expected to compete for a spot on the roster.
Bench Depth
The Brewers have an exceptionally deep bench this year with multiple options at key positions. Catcher William Contreras had a terrific first season with the team and was an MVP candidate. As the backup catcher to Contreras, Jeferson Quero is an exciting option behind home plate. Quero enters the 2024 season as one of the best young catchers in Major League Baseball after earning Golden Glove honors in the minor leagues last year and a reputation as a power hitter. In addition to Contreras and Quero, the Brewers also have Eric Hasse, recently acquired from the Detroit Tigers along with veteran catcher, Gary Sanchez. Since recovering from last season’s devastating wrist injury, Sanchez is hoping for a solid return to form.
Another position where the Brewers have multiple options is at shortstop. One of the keys to the Brewer’s success last year was the phenomenal play of shortstop, Willy Adames. Adames led the team last year with 80 RBIs and 24 home runs. In addition to Adames and Cooper Pratt, is highly-rated Triple-A shortstop, Joey Ortiz, one of the players acquired in the Corbin Burnes trade. With his ability to play both second and third base, Ortiz brings power and versatility to the team.
Pitching Rotation
Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Brewers is their pitching lineup. Despite losing their ace Brandon Woodruff to shoulder surgery and trading away former Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, the Brewers are confident in their starting roster of Freddy Peralta, Wade Miley, and newly acquired right-handed pitcher, Jakob Junis. Adding to the combination of Peralta, Miley, and Junis as their top three, is left-handed pitcher, Robert Gasser who finished strong in the minor leagues last season. Gasser could compete for the fourth starting position along with another strong Triple-A prospect, RHP Carlos Rodriguez.
Despite the uncertainty over who will establish themselves as a guaranteed starter this year, the Brewers have the proven ability to shape and develop young players. Over the past few years, the Brewers’ scouting organization has done an exceptional job, spotting and signing talented young players from Nicaragua (Carlos Rodriguez), Venezuela (OF, Yophery Rodriguez), and acquiring Dominican Republic native, Willy Adames. Now it’s time to see if their investment in international talent will continue to pay dividends.
Relief Pitching
The bullpen brings stability this year with the returning trio of Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill. All-Star Devin Williams has been a consistent presence as a closing pitcher for the Brewers since 2020 when he won the NL Rookie of the Year award.
As the organization continues to develop and promote promising young players into their starting lineup, this team could very well have all of the right elements in place for a very successful season. If one of these rookies has a real chance to shine, he could end up being the surprise of the season and the 2024 Milwaukee Brewers might just be the team to beat this year in the National League Central division.
Main Image: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
