In a significant shakeup to their coaching staff, the Milwaukee Brewers have named Al LeBoeuf as their new lead hitting coach and Eric Theisen as hitting coach for the upcoming 2024 MLB season. The move comes as the Brewers look to revamp their offensive approach and boost their lineup’s production.
A New Era for Brewers Hitting
LeBoeuf, 64, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a Triple-A hitting coach for the past six years. He joined the Brewers organization back in 2010 and has played a crucial part in developing many of the young hitters who now make up Milwaukee’s major league roster.
Al has had a long journey to get here and we are very excited for him,” said Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold. “His familiarity and relationships with all these players will be a great resource for us.
– Matt Arnold, Brewers President of Baseball Operations
Theisen, meanwhile, is a rising star in the coaching ranks at just 39 years old. He has spent the last four seasons in the Brewers farm system, most recently working alongside LeBoeuf as hitting coaches for Triple-A Nashville in 2023.
Building on Offensive Success
The Brewers are coming off a strong offensive showing in 2023, ranking in the top 10 in MLB in several key categories:
- 6th in runs scored (777)
- 8th in batting average (.248)
- 4th in on-base percentage (.326)
- 13th in slugging percentage (.403)
- 10th in OPS (.729)
Despite this success, the front office clearly felt a new approach was needed to take the lineup to an even higher level. In LeBoeuf and Theisen, they believe they have the right combination of experience and fresh perspective to do just that.
Implementing a New Approach
So what changes can Brewers fans expect to see from the team’s hitters in 2024? According to those familiar with LeBoeuf and Theisen’s coaching philosophies, the emphasis will be on a more patient, discerning approach at the plate.
They want guys to wait for their pitch and do damage when they get it,” revealed one source close to the team. “It’s about controlling the strike zone, working counts, and punishing mistakes. We’ve got a lot of young, aggressive hitters, so getting them to dial it back a bit and be more selective could really boost the offense.
– Source close to the Milwaukee Brewers
Of course, implementing such changes is often easier said than done. Hitters can be stubborn in their ways, and rebuilding swings or overhauling approach takes time. But if anyone is up to the task, it’s this duo of experienced hitting gurus.
Empowering the Core
One advantage LeBoeuf and Theisen will have is their familiarity with Milwaukee’s homegrown stars. Having already worked with the likes of Keston Hiura, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang as they rose through the farm system, the new hitting coaches already have a bond and trust with the team’s core players.
For a lineup built around young, controllable talent, having coaches who know how to connect with and get the best out of these budding stars could make a world of difference. If they can empower this group to reach their full potential, the Brewers offense could be a formidable force for years to come.
We’re not looking to completely overhaul guys or rebuild swings,” LeBoeuf explained. “It’s about minor adjustments, refining approach, and giving them the tools and knowledge to succeed. These are tremendously talented players. We just want to help unlock that potential on a more consistent basis.
– Al LeBoeuf, Brewers Lead Hitting Coach
The Quest for an NL Central Crown
For a franchise that has won the NL Central two years running, the expectations are understandably high heading into 2024. With a pitching staff anchored by two of the game’s most dominant arms in Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers know they have the runs prevention side of the equation figured out.
Now, the task falls on LeBoeuf, Theisen, and the revamped hitting apparatus to provide the consistent offensive firepower this squad needs to truly strike fear in opponents. If they can get this lineup clicking on all cylinders, Milwaukee has to be considered a leading contender in the National League.
Only time will tell if these coaching changes pay off, but for now, there’s a palpable sense of optimism and excitement surrounding this team. Brewers fans have to be encouraged by the organization’s proactive approach in seeking out every possible edge in the quest for a World Series title.
As pitchers and catchers report to spring training in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the new faces guiding Milwaukee’s bats. In Al LeBoeuf and Eric Theisen, the Brewers believe they have the right leaders in place to mold this offense into a championship-caliber attack. If they can execute that vision, 2024 could be a very special season in the Cream City.
