After winning the National League’s Central Division in 2023, expectations from the Milwaukee Brewers for a repeat are heating up over the cold winter months in Wisconsin. As with all teams, players come and go, and the right mix of athletes and what they do well matters in September and October. Players from last year’s Milwaukee Brewers’ squad, such as recent mainstays and contributors Rowdy Tellez and Tyrone Taylor, will sport different uniforms in 2024. However, one national media outlet not only projects a current Brewer as the most important and valuable position player on his team, he just may be the most prized athlete in the entire NL Central.
WILLIAM CONTRERAS–A 2023 TO REMEMBER FOR THE BREWERS
The trade that brought William Contreras to the Milwaukee Brewers from Atlanta proved to be a steal for the Brewers in 2023. Although it was a three-team trade involving the Braves and the Oakland A’s, the Brewers essentially received Contreras and bullpen stalwart Joel Payamps in exchange for outfielder Esteury Ruiz. Payamps became a main setup man for closer Devin Williams, striking out 77 hitters over 70.2 innings of work. Also, he posted a remarkable 1.05 WHIP and an outstanding 2.55 ERA.
However, the star of the transaction proved to be Contreras. Over 141 games played, Contreras’ offensive numbers were solid from April to October. He batted .289 and had a very respectable .367 on-base percentage; his year also included 38 doubles and 78 RBI, mainly from the second spot in the batting lineup. His efforts landed him the team’s MVP and Top Newcomer awards for 2023.
BIGGER AND BETTER EXPECTED FOR 2024
According to mlb.com writer Thomas Harrigan, the Brewers and their fans should expect an even greater encore from Contreras for 2024. In his January 28, 2024 article, Harrigan listed each MLB team’s most impactful player as defined by Wins Above Replacement. Without much surprise, Harrigan, using statistics gathered by FanGraphs, listed Contreras as Milwaukee’s and the NL Central’s best player by projecting a WAR of 4.4 for 2024. That is well above the predictions for the Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, the Pirates’ O’Neill Cruz, Cubs’ players Nico Hoerner and Justin Steele, and Cincinnati’s Matt McLain–all listed as their respective team’s top potential WAR players.
Hannigan writes: “Contreras is the only player in his entire division projected to record at least 4 WAR, which shows how valuable the young backstop has become in a short time. Acquired in the three-team trade that sent fellow catcher Sean Murphy from the A’s to the Braves last offseason, Contreras seized the opportunity to be a regular starter behind the plate for the first time in 2023, excelling on both sides of the ball.”
LEADING THE WAY FOR THE YOUNGER BREWERS
Aside from Christian Yelich and Willy Adames, no other potential everyday player has as much major league experience as Contreras. And with the developments of young players like Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, and Jackson Chourio never a sure thing, Contreras not only must be the dependable rock in the Milwaukee Brewers’ lineup again this year to lead the offense, but he must demonstrate veteran leadership to this group of newbies. Although he is only 26 years old, his play and demeanor suggest that of a grizzled old-timer, one who is wise and experienced beyond his years. If his WAR resembles anything like Fangraphs and Harrigan suggest, and the pitching staff lives up to its high expectations based on last year’s successes, fans of the Brew Crew may very well be rocking through October again.
