Christian Yelich Gets Real on Undeniable Brewers Reality

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 3:38 PM ET

It seems like it is the same story for the Milwaukee Brewers every season. They show up to spring training, get counted out by many analysts, end up finding ways to win during the regular season and ultimately reach the playoffs. Star outfielder Christian Yelich -- who has played in Milwaukee since 2018 -- is not fazed by what he critics may have to say.

"Honestly, we just don't care," Yelich said, via Todd Rosiak. "It's the same story every year.... Just because they say you're going to be bad, or just because they say you're going to be good, you still have to play the games... When all that settles, you kind of find out what kind of team you were. So, we kind of ignore it and block it out. It's kind of business as usual every single season, kind of the same story.

"So, go out and play and see where we're at."

The Brewers traded ace Corbin Burnes ahead of the 2024 season. Milwaukee still ended up winning the National League Central division with a 93-69 record. Heading into 2025, the Brewers still had some doubters. The result? Milwaukee finished with the best regular season record in the league at 97-65.

The Brewers have some doubters once again heading into the '26 campaign. Milwaukee traded ace Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets this past offseason, while some of their NL Central rivals -- such as the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds -- have upgraded their rosters.

Counting the Brewers out is risky, though, especially with Christian Yelich leading the way.

Christian Yelich Continues to Lead the Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Yelich, 34, is a three-time All-Star. In 2018, he won the NL MVP Award. He finished second in NL MVP voting in 2019. While he isn't performing at an MVP-caliber level anymore, the outfielder is still a good player.

He was an All-Star in 2024 and, although he did not make the All-Star team in 2025, he was productive nonetheless. Yelich ultimately finished the year with a slash line of .264/.343/.452. He added 29 home runs, 103 RBI, 88 runs scored and 16 stolen bases. Yelich led the Brewers to the best record in baseball and ended up finishing 12th in MVP voting.

Yelich and the Brewers may not be listening to the outside noise, but they will have an opportunity to silence the doubters once again in 2026 nonetheless.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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