Milwaukee Brewers Secure 2024 NL Central Title, Surpassing All Expectations
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the 2024 NL Central division title in a season that defied all odds and expectations. Although postseason appearances have become a regular occurrence for the team in recent years, this achievement felt especially remarkable given the challenges they faced throughout the season.
Few expected the Brewers to rise to the top this year. Even players, like shortstop Willy Adames, expressed surprise at the team’s success. “It’s like nobody thought we’d be here, but now we are,” Adames said after the division-clinching victory. “I’m curious what they’ll say now.”
The Brewers officially clinched the NL Central crown on Wednesday, aided by a timely 5-3 loss by the Chicago Cubs at home against the Oakland Athletics. The result ensured Milwaukee’s spot in the playoffs, with players even taking a break from pregame preparations to witness the final out of the Cubs’ game.
A Season Full of Surprises
The 2024 season was one marked by unpredictability for Milwaukee. With key departures and several injuries, including the offseason exit of long-time manager Craig Counsell and Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes’ trade to the Orioles, the Brewers’ odds of contending seemed slim at the start of the year. Adding to that, All-Star pitcher Brandon Woodruff missed the entire season due to injury, while Devin Williams, the Brewers’ elite closer, was sidelined for the first half of the season.
Despite these hurdles, the Brewers showed resilience and an unwavering belief in their ability to compete. By late April, they had taken control of the NL Central and held onto the division lead throughout the season.
Manager Pat Murphy, who took the reins following Counsell’s departure, was a steady hand for the Brewers during this time of transition. His leadership, combined with the players’ grit, played a pivotal role in the team’s ability to weather the storm. “This season wasn’t about expectations,” Murphy said. “It was about this group of guys coming together and refusing to give up.”
A Dramatic Victory and Celebration
Milwaukee’s success was capped off by a dramatic 2-1 walk-off win over the Philadelphia Phillies later that same night, thanks to Jake Bauers’ clutch RBI single in the ninth inning. After the victory, players celebrated in front of their home crowd at American Family Field, showering each other with champagne and posing for a team photo on the field, much to the delight of the fans who stayed to witness the moment.
Not everyone, however, was able to fully indulge in the postgame festivities. Rookie sensation Jackson Chourio, who is only 20 years old, quipped that he might have to settle for a soft drink during the champagne showers. “I guess I’ll grab a Coke or something,” he joked through an interpreter.
Brewers Defy the Odds
In a small-market city, Milwaukee’s repeated success is nothing short of remarkable. The Brewers have now secured six playoff appearances in the past seven years, an impressive feat for a team that struggled to make the postseason before 2017, having only done so twice between 1983 and 2017.
The 2024 season presented unique challenges for the Brewers. Along with the managerial changes and the absence of key players, several others battled injuries as the season progressed. Christian Yelich, a former MVP, saw his season cut short due to a back injury, and veteran pitchers Wade Miley and Robert Gasser also suffered season-ending injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Milwaukee maintained its focus and never lost more than three consecutive games all season—a testament to their resilience and consistency. “These guys didn’t know what their best was, but they’ve learned that pulling together and competing can lead to something special,” said Murphy.
An All-Hands-On-Deck Approach
The Brewers’ ability to overcome adversity was largely due to their depth. Milwaukee used 17 different starting pitchers throughout the year, one of the highest totals in the league. Their bullpen also stepped up, with 12 pitchers recording at least one save. The team’s pitching staff, despite the injuries, maintained a 3.65 ERA, ranking among the top four in MLB.
On the offensive side, the Brewers improved significantly compared to last season. They ranked fourth in total runs scored this season, up from 17th the previous year. Adames became the first shortstop in franchise history to hit 30 home runs and collect 100 RBIs in a season, and William Contreras solidified his place as one of the league’s premier hitting catchers. Chourio, meanwhile, showcased his immense potential as he became the youngest player to achieve a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season.
With the division secured and a postseason spot locked in, Milwaukee looks ahead to October with high hopes. Though they’ve fallen short in recent playoff runs, the Brewers believe this year’s team is built for success, both in the regular season and beyond.
What’s Next for Milwaukee?
As the Brewers prepare for the postseason, they’ll carry with them the lessons learned from a rollercoaster regular season. Their ability to thrive despite injuries, departures, and external doubt has made them one of the most dangerous teams heading into October.
“It’s what you want as a competitor,” first baseman Rhys Hoskins said. “We might not have looked how people expected, but we found ways to get it done, and that’s what matters.”
Now, with another division title under their belts, the Brewers hope their story ends with a deeper playoff run—and maybe even a long-awaited return to the World Series.