Christian Yelich learned late Monday night that the Milwaukee Bucks had traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The news prompted the Brewers outfielder to reflect on his own long tenure in Milwaukee and his desire to stay.
Yelich, 34 and in his ninth season with the Brewers, said he wants Milwaukee to be his last team. He cited the pride of helping build the organization and the fun of mentoring younger players.
He was traded to Milwaukee from the Marlins in 2018 and signed a contract extension in 2020 that runs through 2028 with a mutual option for 2029. Yelich has helped the Brewers reach the postseason seven times in his first eight seasons there.
The Brewers entered Tuesday’s game in Cincinnati atop the NL Central. Yelich noted the respect the team has earned and compared his situation to the bittersweet feelings Antetokounmpo may face after winning a championship in 2021.