The launch-angle revolution changed baseball. Are the Brewers a sign it’s changing back?

The Milwaukee Brewers, three-time reigning NL Central champions, have taken a unique approach to winning baseball games, eschewing the traditional emphasis on home runs in favor of a different style. Sporting the second-most runs in Major League Baseball, the Brewers hit only 154 homers, the lowest total among the top three teams in runs scored.

Their low launch angle of 9.2 degrees has generated significant discussion, even among notable figures like Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon, who noted their preference for high contact, low strikeout players and the importance of pitching. The Brewers' success in games without homers, posting a 35-30 record in such instances, has set them apart from other teams.

Three other playoff teams with low homer totals also reached the playoffs, marking a shift in the baseball landscape. The emphasis on defense, hustle, and making pitchers work has become the foundation of the Brewers' strategy, leading to a successful season and a potential World Series title.