Everyone desperately hopes MVP-level Christian Yelich returns at some point. Yelich hasn’t been the same since fouling a ball off his knee in Sept. 2019. But there’s good news. Yelich is back to playing All-Star-level baseball and is healthy. Yelich’s current play is as valuable as he has been to Milwaukee since pre-COVID-19.
The Brewers Can Win With Christian Yelich Playing Like This
Locked In at the Plate
Yelich has been red-hot and has his average up over .280 now. He is also playing every day and either leads or is among the leaders of the Brewers in nearly every category. He is in the top 10 in MLB in runs scored with 62. Since May 12, the Brewers’ star outfielder has had an OPS over .900 and a wrc+ of 151 since May 1.
I know I have heard plenty of fans say, “I would just love to have Miami Marlins Christian Yelich again!” Well, right now, we are getting it. That alone is exciting. In fact, there is a legitimate argument Yelich should have been an All-Star.
While Yelich’s MVP days are likely never to return, Yelich is showing he is still quite valuable in 2023. In fact, if not for the huge expectations because of how unreal he performed for nearly two full seasons, it’d be unanimous how good Yelich has been this year. He boasts a 128 OPS+ and WRC+. He is seventh in MLB in runs with 67, 14th in on-base percentage, and leads the Brewers in nearly every meaningful offensive category besides homers.
Christian Yelich is now batting .362 (38-for-105) with 25 runs, 4 HR and 20 RBI over his last 27 games (.451/.610/1.060).
He is on a 6-game hitting streak, batting .440 (11-for-25) with 11 runs, 2 HR and 9 RBI (.517/.800/1.317).#ThisIsMyCrew I @ChristianYelich
— Mike Vassallo (@MikeVassallo13) July 6, 2023
Yelich Showing No Signs of Slowing Down
After a slow first month, over the last seven weeks, Christian Yelich has been playing at an All-Star level. Yelich isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, either. He obliterated a 422-foot homer into the Allegany River in an 11-8 win two weeks ago and has been on a torrid run. July has been his best month yet. After a slow April, Yelich’s numbers have gotten better each month.
The biggest thing, though, is the Brewers can win at a high clip with Christian Yelich playing at his current level. He is hitting the ball hard, an elite baserunner he shows nightly, and is flashing some power. Yelich was an All-Star level player his final two years in Miami, and he is back to that level.
In his past 38 games, Christian Yelich has reached base 74 times and scored 33 runs
He currently ranks 9th in OBP and 5th in runs among NL players. pic.twitter.com/nGIqtxLzVE
— Brewers Stats (@BrewersStat) July 9, 2023
Christian Yelich Needs Some Help
For a team that is at the bottom of the National League, a team in average, slugging, and on-base-percentage, Yelich’s production has been desperately needed. Since April, the Brewers have gotten very little out of other plays heavily depended upon. Willy Adames, Rowdy Tellez, Brian Anderson, and Jesse Winker have basically been negative players since April. The offense is largely being carried by Yelich. If you look through clear eyes, while Yeli isn’t MVP-Yelich, he is playing at an All-Star level.
Christian Yelich is in the midst of his best 20-game stretch since 2019, adding a homer, 3 RBIs and a stolen base today 💥@Xavier_Scruggs breaks down the former MVP's highlights in Milwaukee's big win over Chicago earlier.#MLBTonight | @Brewers | #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/EqUs6jQwtB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 6, 2023
Now with Adames seemingly finally getting back on track, the Brewers’ offense is showing some signs, with Yelich consistently leading the way.
#Brewers offense has been in just about its best 2 week stretch coming into the Reds series this weekend. Team WRC+ was 97 the last two weeks, 10 points higher than their full year value at 87. Yelich leads the way with WRC+ 194, .385/.484/.596. Contreras WRC+ 123 and Adames 110
— John Schumacher (@cohosalmon22) July 7, 2023
Christian Yelich Can Lead the Brewers Home
If the Brewers can get more from counted-on players, Christian Yelich can continue to lead the way, perhaps all the way to the MLB Playoffs and an NL Central crown.
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