Milwaukee Brewers: Why was Yelich named Player of the Week?

The National League honored Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich with the Player of the Week Award. What did he do that was so special?

How did Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich win the National League Player of the Week Award for the week of July 29th? The 13-game hit streak might have played a role.

What kind of numbers did Yelich post last week?

He only went .517/.548/1.000 and is in the middle of an impressive hit streak. Yelich blasted three homers, drove in 10 runs, and added two triples and a double. He also recorded a pair of three-RBI games last week. The hot week saw his OPS go from .835 at the beginning of the week to .911 after Sunday’s contest. His work at the plate has helped the Milwaukee Brewers win two straight series and post a record of 5-2 last week.

Is it safe to say the Yelich trade worked out?

It’s only been 108 games, but, yeah, the deal has worked out for the Milwaukee Brewers. Last year, a lack of consistent production from the top of the lineup hurt the Brewers over the course of the season. This year, Yelich has produced an .889 OPS in the lead off spot, and a .887 OPS when batting second. He’s also hit third nine times and has a 1.055 OPS there. When Yelich leads off an inning, he’s managed a .953 OPS. Yelich is truly an offensive catalyst.

Could the Brewers deal Yelich at the deadline?

No. Just…no. However, Sonny Gray is in play! Maybe!

Is Yelich an MVP candidate?

It’s not impossible. He’s seventh in the National League in WAR with a 3.5 mark, but he’s not that far off from Nolan Arenado and his 4.4 WAR. In a year that won’t see Bryce Harper win the MVP, anything could happen. If the hot streak extends into August or September, Yelich could add even more awards this off season.

The Milwaukee Brewers found a franchise cornerstone in Yelich, and he hasn’t turned 27 yet. Yelich will play a key role in returning the Brewers to the post season, and what he’s showed this far is only the beginning of a very productive career in blue and gold. The price for Yelich was steep, but he’s already paying dividends and racking up hardware.