The Brewers entered 2024 with numerous challenges. They faced the loss of their manager, traded their ace, and endured a series of injuries to key players. Additionally, their payroll remained in line with that of a small-market team. However, these setbacks did not deter their progress. Under the deft leadership of General Manager Matt Arnold, the Brewers managed to achieve remarkable success.

GM Matt Arnold: The Glue of Baseball Ops

Arnold has been with the Brewers since 2015 and has steadily risen through the ranks. His ability to make crucial decisions and manage the team's operations has been instrumental in their recent success. As the principal owner Mark Attanasio stated, "Matt has been the glue in our baseball ops group."In 2023, Arnold led the Brewers to a division title in his first year at the helm. But it was the series of moves he made in the off-season and during the 2024 season that truly set the stage for their success.One of Arnold's most significant decisions was signing top prospect Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million extension. This move showed his confidence in Chourio's potential and allowed the young outfielder to develop at his own pace. Chourio repaid that trust by becoming one of Milwaukee's top players from June through September and into the postseason.Another important decision was trading right-hander Corbin Burnes to the Orioles. This move was initially seen as a sign of the Brewers waving the white flag, but it actually brought back valuable prospects in Joey Ortiz and DL Hall. Ortiz has emerged as a solid starting third baseman, while Hall still figures prominently in the team's plans moving forward.Arnold also elected to keep pending free agent shortstop Willy Adames. Adames had a career year, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 112 runs. His leadership was crucial in the Brewers' success, and Milwaukee will receive a 2025 draft pick as compensation when he leaves via free agency.He identified previously unknown right-hander Tobias Myers as a legitimate starting pitcher and gave him a chance to establish a spot in the rotation. Myers proved to be Milwaukee's best starter in the Wild Card Series versus the Mets and looks to be a key part of the team's future.At the trade deadline, Arnold acquired a pair of experienced right-handers - Aaron Civale from the Rays and Frankie Montas from the Reds. Both pitchers provided much-needed stability to the rotation, particularly Civale once he got settled and cut down on his home runs allowed.Before and during the season, Arnold made a series of deft, under-the-radar moves that supplemented the Brewers' bullpen. When closer Devin Williams suffered stress fractures in his back and missed the first four months of the season, Trevor Megill quickly stepped up and became the team's closer, leading the Brewers with 21 saves by the end of the season. The additions of talented but unsung left-handers Jared Koenig and Bryan Hudson also proved to be crucial. Koenig served as a versatile player, opening and closing games, while Hudson dominated in the first half.The organization's outfield depth also played a significant role. Garrett Mitchell's broken finger and Christian Yelich's continued back problems could have derailed the team, but Chourio, Blake Perkins, and Gold Glove right fielder Sal Frelick all stepped up and helped the Brewers through the tough times.As bench coach Pat Murphy said, "It's the business of business, and our front office does a great job of understanding how to operate that to be able to put a competitive team on the field. They're competitive every year."The Brewers' 2024 success is a testament to Matt Arnold's leadership and decision-making. His ability to navigate through challenges and make the right moves at the right time has positioned the team for continued success in the years to come.