Yelich’s Resilient Return to Spring Training
Christian Yelich, the Milwaukee Brewers’ star outfielder and 2018 National League MVP, is making a confident return to spring training. Just six months after undergoing back surgery that cut his 2024 season short, Yelich reported to camp on Saturday, declaring himself at full strength and eager to start the 2025 season. Despite speculation suggesting that he might be a question mark for Opening Day, Yelich is steadfast in his belief that he will be ready.
A Season of Triumph and Setback
Yelich’s 2024 season was a tale of resurgence and abrupt interruption. In just 73 games, he showcased his elite skills, batting .315 with a .406 on-base percentage, .504 slugging percentage, 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. However, his season came to an early end on July 23 when he required surgery to address a persistent back issue. The surgery, while necessary to resolve the problem, also meant that he missed a significant portion of the season.
Recovery and Optimism
The surgery revealed a more serious issue than initially anticipated, which wasn’t easy to hear for Yelich. However, he remains optimistic about his recovery and the future. “Once we got in there and did the operation and found the problem, it was like, ‘This is probably not very good,’” Yelich recounted. “So, yeah, it’s kind of nice to be on the other side of it, and hopefully there are a lot less problems going forward.” The mental and physical toll of the surgery and recovery process has been significant, but Yelich’s determination and positive outlook are evident. He started swinging a bat without pain in January, a clear sign that he is well on his way to regaining his form.
Defending His Home in Left Field
Yelich is not only ready to swing the bat; he also expects to be fully functional defensively. He plans to return to his usual position in left field, a role he excels in. Manager Pat Murphy has expressed support for Yelich’s return to the outfield, noting that he “is still our left fielder.” Murphy also plans to use him as a designated hitter (DH) along with other players like catcher William Contreras and first baseman Rhys Hoskins. “I still feel like I’m capable of playing the outfield and I’d like to do that as much as possible,” Yelich said. “But it’s nice mixing in a DH day or two, also.” This balanced approach will help Yelich stay fresh and reduce the strain on his back.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
The Brewers will face significant challenges this season, particularly after the loss of shortstop Willy Adames, who signed with the San Francisco Giants in free agency. The team’s front office decided against making substantial moves to bolster the offense, placing the responsibility on the returning players to step up and build on their 2024 performances. Yelich, who will be the focal point of this group, understands the importance of his role but is realistic about the team’s needs. “We’ve faced challenges every year it seems on this team,” he said. “It’s going to take somebody stepping up in here because they didn’t really go outside of the organization to fill those voids. It’s going to have to come internally. Somebody’s going to have to step up.”
Looking Forward with Hope
Yelich’s presence in the lineup and his readiness for the season are a huge relief for the Brewers. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be crucial as the team aims to stay competitive in the National League. While the pressure is on the returning players to fill the gaps left by Adames, Yelich is confident that the team can rise to the challenge. “It’s a new season, and we all have to come together and do our part,” he emphasized. With Yelich at the forefront, the Brewers are hopeful that the 2025 campaign will be a successful one, marked by resilience, teamwork, and a return to form for one of their most valuable players.
The Road Ahead
As the Brewers prepare to open their season on March 27 at Yankee Stadium, the focus will be on leveraging the strengths of their core players, including Yelich. The team’s approach to building internally and the players’ commitment to improving will be key factors in their success. Yelich’s recovery and his readiness to perform on both sides of the game bode well for the Brewers, and his leadership and experience will be invaluable. The coming season promises to be a test of the team’s unity and adaptability, and with Yelich back in action, the Brewers have a strong foundation to build upon.
