Milwaukee Brewers: Mid-Season Awards for the 2022 Season

The Milwaukee Brewers went into the All-Star break sitting on top of the National League Central with a record of 50-43. They enjoyed winning months in April and May, whereas June and July (so far) consisted of losing months.

Throughout the season, they have had to deal with lots of adversity. They had a very road heavy schedule during the first half of the season and underwent three separate three-city road trips. Despite this they went into the break with a 29-24 record on the road.

Along with frequently being away from Milwaukee, the team had to deal with several injuries to key players. A few examples include Hunter Renfroe having multiple stints on the IL, Andrew McCutchen missing extended time on the COVID-IL, Freddy Peralta not pitching since May 22nd, and all other starting pitchers except Corbin Burnes and Eric Lauer spending time on the IL.

All that considered, the Brewers are still seven games over .500 after playing 93 games and they have received some good performances from players. Here we will take a look at the ones who performed the best in a number of different areas.

Here are the mid-season awards for the 2022 Milwaukee Brewers.

Brewers mid-season award #1: Cy Young – Corbin Burnes

After winning the NL Cy Young and the ERA title in 2021, Corbin Burnes has been excelling again in 2022. He currently leads the National League in strikeouts with 144 and has the third lowest ERA at 2.14.

Burnes has seven games this season in which he has recorded at least 10 strikeouts and recently surpassed a former Brewers pitching great in Yovani Gallardo for the franchise lead in double-digit strikeout games.

Brewers mid-season award #2: Reliever of the Year – Devin Williams

For the first time in his career, Devin Williams was an All-Star in 2022. The recognition took longer than it should have to be bestowed upon him but was rightfully deserved given his first half performance.

Over his last 26 appearances, Williams has not allowed an earned run and has struck out 40 batters. Additionally, he is six-for-six in save opportunities so far this season and has 23 holds to his name.

Brewers mid-season award #3: Most Improved Player – Hoby Milner

Soft throwing left-handed reliever Hoby Milner has been a pleasant surprise in the Brewers bullpen this year. He has excelled at not allowing inherited runners to score and generates a ton of weak contact.

The average exit velocity against him is 83.7 MPH, which ties with Williams for the third lowest among qualified MLB pitchers. His 38 appearances are the second most on the team and he will look to build upon the momentum he generated in the first half.

Brewers mid-season award #4: Biggest Defensive Impact – Hunter Renfroe

In his first year with the Brewers, outfielder Hunter Renfroe has perhaps had the biggest impact in the field this year. He has great instincts as an outfielder, and he has one of the best throwing arms in the league.

After recording 16 outfield assists with the Red Sox in 2021, Renfroe is currently at eight with the Brewers. He also has posted a 10 DRS. Runners should know not to run on him, but when they do things generally don’t turn out in their favor.

Brewers mid-season award #5: Biggest Offensive Impact – Willy Adames

In year two with the Brewers, Willy Adames continues to be a catalyst for the team. This year, he has excelled at hitting home runs as he hit 19 long balls prior to the All-Star Break, which leads the team despite his own IL stint earlier this season.

Along with that, he has driven in 51 runs and has the highest OPS on the team among qualified players. His batting average is down to .220 so far, but his run production on a very home run dependent team cannot be overlooked.

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The Brewers will resume play after the All-Star break on Friday, July 22 against the Colorado Rockies. They play a lot of home games during the second half of the season, which should benefit them as they will look to fend off the St. Louis Cardinals for another NL Central crown.