The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is teetering on the brink of a thrilling conclusion, with the postseason set to ignite in just seven days. With the year drawing to a close, it's essential to recap the dramatic arcs that have captivated fans over the past months.
Milwaukee Brewers: A Season of Highs and Lows
The Milwaukee Brewers faced a series of daunting challenges this season, with injuries and significant roster changes shaping their journey. Notably, pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams suffered injuries that hampered the team’s pitching depth and performance. Despite these setbacks, the Brewers persevered, underscored by a seismic trade that sent ace Corbin Burnes to the Orioles.
Another critical blow was the departure of the Brewers’ manager to the Cubs, a move that left a leadership void at a crucial juncture. However, the Brewers' resilience shone through, particularly in individual performances. Christian Yelich delivered an exceptional early season until a post-All-Star break injury sidelined him, paving the way for rookie sensation Jackson Chourio to step into the spotlight.
Other key contributors included William Contreras, Brice Turang, Willy Adames, and Joey Ortiz, who all played pivotal roles in keeping the Brewers competitive. The author of the initial analysis candidly admitted, "I picked the Brewers to finish last in the NL Central," but acknowledged, "Quick summary: Impeccable work, Brewers. Atrocious work, Matt."
Cleveland Guardians: Defying Expectations
The Cleveland Guardians' season trajectory tells a tale of defied expectations and remarkable overachievement. Initially pegged to finish fourth in the AL Central and 24th in the pre-spring power rankings, the Guardians instead showcased an exceptional campaign and made a legitimate claim as one of the league’s surprises.
Central to their success was a bullpen that emerged as the best in baseball by a substantial margin, a development that took many by surprise. Despite the rotation battling adversity—losing Shane Bieber, with Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen underperforming—the bullpen, led by Cy Young candidate Emmanuel Clase, became a consistent force. The author observed, "The Guardians' bullpen has been the best in baseball by a mile all season."
Offensively, José Ramírez was a constant threat, providing a reliable source of hits and runs. Josh Naylor's power was critical in anchoring the lineup, while Steven Kwan excelled as one of the league’s best table-setters for several months. David Fry also emerged as a key contributor, stepping up when it mattered most. Reflecting on their unexpected success, the author noted, "I had the Guardians finishing fourth in the AL Central and slotted them 24th in pre-spring power rankings," followed by the straightforward assessment, "Quick summary: The Guardians rule, Matt drools."
Postseason Predictions
As the postseason approaches, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. Among the various predictions, one stands out: the author's bold prediction of the Phillies triumphing over the Orioles in the World Series. This forecast adds an intriguing layer to the playoff narrative, inviting scrutiny and debate among fans and analysts alike.
As we brace for the playoffs, the resilience of both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Guardians serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball. Whether it's the Brewers overcoming immense challenges or the Guardians' bullpen dismantling preseason projections, this season has been a vivid reminder of why we cherish this sport. Indeed, as the author succinctly puts it: "Bring it on."