Last season, the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation was in constant flux. A team record 16 different pitchers made a start for Milwaukee. This was partly due to the loss of Corbin Burnes, injuries, and general underperformance. However, despite its struggles, lots of positive things happened to the rotation in 2024. Freddy Peralta did well as a first-time ace, Tobias Myers emerged as a capable starter, and Aaron Civale bounced back to form after coming over from Tampa. With all three pitchers returning, former all-star Brandon Woodruff coming back from injury, and Nestor Cortes being acquired in a trade; the Brewers rotation could be sneaky good in 2025.
The Brewers Rotation Was In Constant Flux In 2024
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation had been their strength for the past three seasons. However, the Brewers starting rotation struggled in 2024. Corbin Burnes was traded and Brandon Woodruff, Wade Miley, DL Hall, and Robert Gasser missed all or most of the season with various injuries. Other starters like Aaron Ashby, Dallas Keuchel, and Carlos Rodriguez also underperformed. This caused the Brewers to have a record 16 different pitchers to make a start for them last season. Trades for Frankie Montas and Aaron Civale eventually stabilized the starting rotation late in the season.
Plenty To Like About The Rotation Heading In 2025
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Montas is now with the Mets, there’s still plenty to like about the rotation heading into 2025. Last season’s top starters Peralta, Myers, and Civale will all be returning next season. Freddy Peralta proved he could be an ace and Tobias Myers emerged as a great rotation piece. Aaron Civale seemed to recapture the form he had during his time with the Cleveland Guardians.
Civale had a rough couple of seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, upon arriving in Milwaukee, he compiled an ERA of 3.53 down the stretch for Milwaukee. Woodruff is coming back after missing all of 2024 recovering from shoulder surgery. Whenever Woodruff is healthy, he’s shown he can be a Cy Young-caliber starter. As part of trading closer Devin Williams, Milwaukee acquired a capable starter in Nestor Cortes. When healthy, Cortes is someone who can stabilize the backend of a starting rotation. During his last three seasons with the Yankees, Cortes went 26-16 with an ERA of 3.44 and 392 strikeouts to just 97 walks. He also has an all-star game appearance on his resume.
Milwaukee’s Starting Rotation Could Be A Quiet Force In 2025
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the Brewers’ issues with their starting rotation, they still managed to win 93 and run away with the division. However, this season, Milwaukee’s starting pitching staff should be a lot more stable. Freddy Peralta, Tobias Myers, and Aaron Civale are all returning next season. Brandon Woodruff is finally healthy again and has shown he can be dominant whenever he takes the mound. Nestor Cortes had a nice three-year run with the Yankees and is a dependable starter. If Woodruff returns to form and Peralta, Myers, and Civale can continue their positive progression, and Cortes solidifies the backend; Milwaukee’s starting rotation could be a sneaky dangerous.
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