Milwaukee Brewers: 5 Bold Predictions For The 2019 Season

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 08: Jimmy Nelson
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 08: Jimmy Nelson /
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Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Six of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Milwaukee Brewers are getting closer and closer to the start of the 2019 regular season. Since we’re still in spring training, it’s time to make some bold predictions about the upcoming season.

After a 2018 season that saw the Milwaukee Brewers win the NL Central and come within one game of the World Series, expectations are high for this team heading into 2019.

Bold predictions are an interesting thing, because a baseball season is so unpredictable. Even the boldest predictions didn’t have Christian Yelich running away with the NL MVP award nor would they have Jesus Aguilar as an All-Star.

But there are a lot of reasons for optimism this season, and if these bold predictions come true, it’s going to be another magical season in Milwaukee. Let’s take a look into our crystal ball and see what we can predict about the future.

Bold Prediction #1

Christian Yelich somehow gets even better, wins NL MVP again

Christian Yelich rode a phenomenal second half to a nearly unanimous MVP title. His first half was good, but not outstanding. It was that 3 month stretch post-All Star game that won Yelich his MVP and numerous other awards and recognition.

Yelich finished 2018 with a .326/.402/.598 slash line with 34 doubles, 36 home runs, 110 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. Can Yelich get even better than those numbers? I certainly wouldn’t bet against him.

In all likelihood, Yelich’s batting average will stay roughly similar but might drop a tiny bit. His on-base percentage will likely go up since pitchers around the league are now well aware of what Yelich can do and will probably pitch around him a bit more and not throw him strikes. A walk is much preferable to giving up a double or a home run.

With another season in Miller Park, Yelich should see similar power numbers, and they may even take another slight bump since he’s grown as a player and has most likely improved his skills over the offseason. Yelich is entering his age-27 season, this is his prime. 2019 may be the best season yet for Yelich and another NL MVP award cannot be counted out.

It’s very difficult to win MVP two years in a row, but another season with similar stats should see Yelich at the very least in the middle of that race for MVP. Being on a playoff/division winning team also helps his chances. It may not be that bold of a prediction to say Yelich will put up great numbers in 2019, but he can get even better and another MVP award could be in his future.