Milwaukee Brewers' outfielder Christian Yelich will miss the remainder of the 2024 MLB season due to a season-ending back surgery scheduled for Friday. This news, announced on Thursday by Yelich and the Brewers, marks another chapter in the ongoing battle the player has faced with persistent back issues throughout much of his career.
Yelich, who last played on July 23, has opted for surgery to address the lower back inflammation that has sidelined him since July. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Brandon Rebholz, and the decision was arrived at following careful consultation with medical personnel.
In a statement, Yelich expressed his thoughts on the matter: "After careful consideration and consultation with medical personnel, I have decided to undergo season-ending back surgery." He 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."
This setback interrupts what had been a remarkable bounce-back season for Yelich. Over the course of 73 games, he achieved a .315/.406/.504 slash line, with 11 home runs and 21 stolen bases. These impressive figures translated to a 152 OPS+, showcasing his significant contribution to the team's offense.
The Brewers, who currently have a nine-game lead in the NL Central and boast the largest division lead in baseball, have managed an 11-9 record since Yelich's injury. This demonstrates the resilience and depth of their roster, which includes several left-handed hitters such as Jake Bauers, Tyler Black, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang. However, despite efforts to secure a left-handed replacement before the July 30 trade deadline, the team was unable to finalize any deals.
Addressing his absence, Yelich said, "We have a very special team here and it will be disappointing not to be able to contribute on the field down the stretch." He continued, "However, 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!"
This season marks the fifth year of the nine-year, $215 million contract extension Yelich signed in March 2020. Looking ahead, Yelich stands to earn $26 million annually from 2025 to 2028, with a $20 million mutual option for 2029. Despite his offensive prowess, Yelich's defensive metrics have graded him as below average in recent times—a testament to the toll that his ongoing back problems have taken.
While Yelich's absence is undoubtedly a significant blow, the Brewers' performance this season suggests they are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. With a strong supporting cast and a substantial lead in the NL Central, the team remains well-positioned to push toward their goals without their star outfielder for the remainder of the season.
As Yelich undergoes this critical surgery, the entire Brewers community will be rallying behind him, wishing for a successful procedure and a full recovery. Meanwhile, the remaining squad will aim to maintain their impressive form and secure their position at the top of the division.