Outfielder Christian Yelich is entering his eighth season with the Milwaukee Brewers, the team where he sparked his career, but has also hit some lows.

In his first season with Milwaukee, Yelich won the National League MVP — the fourth player in franchise history to win the award — in a season where he slashed .326/.402/.598 with 36 home runs and 110 RBI. His batting average, slugging percentage and WAR (7.3) all led the MLB.

The following season, he was on pace to win another MVP in the tight race alongside outfielder Cody Bellinger, before fracturing his kneecap in early September, putting his 2019 campaign to an unfortunate end. Yelich would finish the season with totals arguably better than his 2018 numbers, as he led the NL in batting average (.329) and on base percentage (.429), while his .671 slugging percentage and 1.100 OPS led the majors. He also totaled 44 home runs and 97 RBI, doing so in 17 less games then his 2018 season.

In an already shortened 2020 season due to the COVID pandemic, Yelich showed a massive decrease in production, making it clear that a lingering knee injury was still present. In 58 games, he batted just .205 hitting for only 12 home runs and 22 RBI.

Over the course of the following three seasons, it was clear Yelich's power may have been disappearing. While the knee injury took its toll, lingering back injuries throughout every season seemed to be what was holding the 2018 MVP down the most. In 415 total games between 2021-2023, he hit just 42 home runs.

His 2023 season showed the most promise out of the stretch, as he slashed .278/.370/.447 with 19 home runs and 76 RBI, while stealing 28 bags.

Riding off the success of 2023, Yelich improved even more in 2024, making it back in the All-Star game for the first time since 2019. Shortly after the All-Star break in late July, Yelich would obtain yet another back injury, putting his timeline to return in question.

After debating whether to get surgery, which would end his 2024 campaign, Yelich decided to get it, as he made an announcement on social media. In 73 games played in 2024, Yelich slashed .315/.406/.504 with 11 home runs, 42 RBI and 21 stolen bases.

While a tough decision, back injuries were what Yelich was dealing with for years, as 11 of his 15 reported injuries since joining the Brewers have been related to his back.

Back in Arizona for Spring Training, Yelich was asked about his status for Opening Day:

The Brewers won the NL Central last year for the third time in the past four years. They currently hold the second-best odds to win it again per Bet MGM. Yelich's availability is crucial, as the Brewers outfield could shape to be one of the best in the division. Alongside Yelich is Jackson Chourio, who finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year race, Sal Frelick who won the Gold Glove in right field, Blake Perkins who finished as a finalist for the Gold Glove in center field, and Garrett Mitchell, the Brewers first round selection in the 2020 draft. With the outfield crowded with talent, and Yelich needing to stay healthy, it's likely that he will serve many games in the designated hitter role.