Teammates are happy for Yelich
PHOENIX – The news that Christian Yelich is very close to becoming a Milwaukee Brewer for life reverberated throughout the sports world on Tuesday afternoon.
But somehow, Lorenzo Cain missed the reports.
“You know me. I don't do the social media stuff,” he said Wednesday morning.
In fairness to Cain, he wasn't in the lineup against the San Diego Padres in Peoria when the story broke, and the dedicated father of three young sons no doubt had his hands full once he arrived home.
“(You reporters) kind of enlightened me on what happened. I don't know how many years or how much he signed for. I'm sure I'll find out soon.I know it's a lot of money and a lot of years.”
Word is the Brewers are extending Yelich's contract seven more years for $188.5 million, likely by the end of the work week. Including the two years currently remaining on his deal, Yelich will be making about $215 million and be tied to the team through 2028.
That's a franchise record by far for the player who became the face of the franchise in the second half of 2018, when Yelich rode a torrid second half to being named the National League's most valuable player.
Cain could only chuckle when it was pointed out he'll forever be tied to Yelich.
The two officially joined the Brewers on the same day – Jan. 25, 2018 – when Lewis Brinson, Isan Díaz, Monte Harrison and Jordan Yamamoto were traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Yelich and Cain signed a five-year, $85 million free-agent deal.
The Brewers have advanced to the postseason twice since. If they do so again this season they'll have accomplished a franchise first.
“Good memories. Definitely a good day,” Cain said. “We've both had the same goal in mind – hopefully bringing a World Series to Milwaukee.
“We've got to continue to build off what we've done the last two years and get back in the playoffs and hopefully make that run this year.”
While Cain might have been in the dark about the news, another of Yelich's teammates had a different reaction. Yelich himself has been scarce in the Brewers' clubhouse of late when media has been allowed in, perhaps by design.
“I stood up, gave some fist bumps, started jumping around a little bit,” said Brent Suter, who had some happy days himself earlier in camp when he signed a two-year, $2.5 million deal to avoid arbitration.
“I was pumped. I was hoping there was something going on just because you hear rumors and stuff like that, and I was hoping they'd be able to lock something in.
“But to see it come to fruition, it's an exciting day.”
Yelich put up two of the best seasons in franchise history in 2018 and ‘19, falling just shy of winning back-to-back MVPs after a broken right kneecap in late September ended that quest.
Now fully healed and having just turned 28 in December, he should be entering the prime of his career on the field. But Yelich checks all the boxes off the field as well, a must for a franchise cornerstone.
He's been clear about his love for Milwaukee. He's a great teammate. He's engaging with fans and the media. He's witty on social media. He's visible in the community.
He also has crossover appeal, inviting Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield to camp last spring and aiding Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest last month..
“I would say that puts the finishing touches on that part of his lore, his place in our franchise for sure,” Suter said. “Milwaukee loves him, we all love him. He's a just a great person and an unbelievable baseball player.
“So, great day and glad to see him cemented as ‘our guy.'”
Added Josh Hader: “Just a good dude. At the end of the day, it's on the field and off the field. He's easy to get along with, he's easy to like.
“Everything about him is just topnotch.”
What does Hader tell people when they ask what it's like to play with Yelich?
“It's like playing with a superstar,” he said.
“It's awesome. Since he's come to the team and I've been up here, it's been nothing but fun. He has fun doing the right stuff and as a baseball player, if you're not having fun you're not really doing it right.”
Once the initial giddiness about the news wore off, many were heartened by the fact that a small-market team like the Brewers were able to lock Yelich up long term.
It had been assumed they'd have had no chance of re-signing him if he hit free agency after the 2022 season and they likely would have had to consider trading him so as to not lose him for nothing the way they lost Prince Fielder in 2011 (although they'd at least have received a compensatory draft choice).
Cain is someone who can speak about that scenario, having landed with the Brewers after the similarly smallmarket Kansas City Royals let him walk following the 2017 season.
“Small-market teams, they can find a way – if they're motivated to sign guys with talent like Yelich,” he said. “So, it's all about getting it done. Both sides coming to an agreement.
“They were able to do that. I know how much he likes playing in Milwaukee and they've got a great player for a long time.”
Cain summed the situation up simply.
“It's a win-win,” he said. “I know how much he loves playing in Milwaukee, and I'm sure the fans will love having him his entire career. It worked out for both sides. I'm happy for him.
“It's about getting out there and playing some ball now.”