Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Christian Yelich

How Christian Yelich built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Christian Yelich is an American professional baseball left fielder currently playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in MLB. He previously played for the Miami Marlins. Yelich also represents the United States internationally and played a role in Team USA's victory at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he earned a spot on the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: MLB Draft and Signing Bonus

In 2010, Christian Yelich was selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the MLB draft and agreed to a $1.7 million signing bonus on August 17.

2010: Drafted by the Marlins

In 2010, Christian Yelich was selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the MLB draft.

2011: Minor League Season

In 2011, Christian Yelich batted .261 with 43 hits and four home runs, and was named the Marlins' Minor League Player of the Year.

July 23, 2013: Promotion to MLB

On July 23, 2013, Christian Yelich was promoted to MLB from the Double-A Jacksonville Suns by the Miami Marlins.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Christian Yelich made his Major League Baseball debut for the Miami Marlins.

March 22, 2015: Contract Extension with Marlins

On March 22, 2015, Christian Yelich finalized a seven-year, $49.57 million contract extension with the Miami Marlins.

2016: Starting Outfielder

In 2016, Christian Yelich was a starting outfielder. On April 23, 2016 he had three doubles in a game against the San Francisco Giants.

2017: Trade to the Brewers

During the 2017-18 offseason, Christian Yelich was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Milwaukee Brewers.

2017: World Baseball Classic Gold Medal

In 2017, Christian Yelich played for the United States in the World Baseball Classic and helped the team win its first gold medal in the tournament. He was also named to the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

January 25, 2018: Trade to Milwaukee Brewers

On January 25, 2018, Christian Yelich was traded by the Miami Marlins to the Milwaukee Brewers.

September 10, 2018: MLB All-Stars Selection

On September 10, 2018, Christian Yelich was selected to play with the MLB All-Stars at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series, but later withdrew from the event.

2018: Awards and Accomplishments

In 2018, Christian Yelich finished the season with impressive stats, won the NL batting title, the Hank Aaron Award, and was named the National League Most Valuable Player.

March 31, 2019: Home Run Record

On March 31, 2019, Christian Yelich became the sixth player in MLB history to hit a home run in each of his team's first four games.

July 1, 2019: Brewers Franchise Record

On July 1, 2019, Christian Yelich became the first player in Brewers franchise history to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star Break. He was also selected for the Home Run Derby but withdrew due to injury.

2019: MLB History Record

After the 2019 season, Christian Yelich became the only player in Major League Baseball history to have consecutive seasons hitting .325 or higher with 35 or more home runs and 20 or more steals.

2019: Second NL Batting Title

In 2019, Christian Yelich won his second National League batting title. He had a .329 batting average, led the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, hit 44 home runs, and won the NL Hank Aaron Award.

March 6, 2020: Contract Extension with Brewers

On March 6, 2020, Christian Yelich signed a nine-year, $215 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Brewers.

May 11, 2022: Third Career Cycle

On May 11, 2022, Christian Yelich hit his third career cycle, becoming the sixth player in MLB history to do so, and the first player to accomplish three cycles against the same team, the Cincinnati Reds.

2022: Season Stats

In 2022, Christian Yelich had the highest ground ball percentage of all major leaguers (58.6%), the lowest fly ball percentage (23.0%), and batted .252/.355/.383.

2024: Injured List and Season Ending Surgery

In the 2024 season, Christian Yelich was placed on the injured list with a back issue on July 24, and announced on August 15 that he would undergo surgery the next day, ending his season.

May 5, 2025: 1,500th Career Game

On May 5, 2025, Christian Yelich played his 1,500th career game against the Houston Astros, hitting a solo home run, recording two RBIs, stealing a base, and walking once.