As the countdown to Opening Day narrows to a mere four days, the anticipation is palpable, and so is the curiosity about team payrolls. While the Brewers' roster isn't entirely locked in, we have a solid glimpse of what their financial landscape will look like as the season kicks off. Since January, several adjustments have been made, and it's time to dive into the updated payroll projection.
To set the stage, these figures are sourced from Cot’s Baseball Contracts and Spotrac, both of which provide estimated payroll numbers across MLB. According to the current collective bargaining agreement, the minimum salary for players in 2026 is set at $780,000. This figure serves as a baseline for pre-arbitration players, although individual salaries may vary slightly.
With the regular season just around the corner, this projection focuses on the anticipated Opening Day roster. Any payroll changes from this point are expected to be minor. Also, keep in mind that minimum salaries can swap out for other players who might start in the minors.
Looking back, the final projected payroll for 2025 stood at $156,266,827, according to Spotrac. After trimming some additional factors like player benefits and pre-arbitration bonus pools, the roster-specific payroll was $134,567,736.
Cot’s Baseball Contracts reported the Brewers’ final 40-man roster payroll at $117.1 million, with the Competitive Balance Tax calculation hitting $145.5 million. The difference here largely hinges on how declined options are accounted for-Spotrac includes them in 2025, while Cot’s pushes them to 2026.
This time, we're simplifying things by focusing solely on the Opening Day roster.
Position Players and Bench
- Position Players: C William Contreras: $9,400,000 1B Andrew Vaughn: $7,650,000 2B Brice Turang: $4,150,000 3B Luis Rengifo: $2,000,000 SS Joey Ortiz: $780,000 LF Jackson Chourio: $7,000,000 CF Garrett Mitchell: $950,000 RF Sal Frelick: $780,000 DH Christian Yelich: $22,000,000 Total: $54,710,000
- Bench Players: C Gary Sánchez: $1,750,000 1B Jake Bauers: $2,700,000 UT David Hamilton: $780,000 OF Brandon Lockridge: $780,000 Total: $6,010,000
Pitching Staff
- Starting Pitchers: Brandon Woodruff: $22,025,000 Jacob Misiorowski: $780,000 Chad Patrick: $780,000 Brandon Sproat: $780,000 Kyle Harrison: $780,000 Total: $25,145,000
- Relief Pitchers: Aaron Ashby: $5,500,000 Trevor Megill: $4,700,000 Angel Zerpa: $1,095,000 Abner Uribe: $780,000 Jared Koenig: $780,000 Grant Anderson: $780,000 DL Hall: $780,000 Robert Gasser: $780,000 Total: $15,195,000
Injured List
- Akil Baddoo: $1,250,000
- Quinn Priester: $780,000
- Rob Zastryzny: $780,000
- Craig Yoho*: $780,000
- Steward Berroa*: $780,000 Total: $4,370,000
Overall Summary
- Position Players: $54,710,000
- Bench Players: $6,010,000
- Starting Pitchers: $25,145,000
- Relief Pitchers: $15,195,000
- Injured List: $4,370,000
Initial Total for 2026: $105,430,000
For context, Cot’s reported the Brewers’ Opening Day 26-man payroll in 2025 at $108,058,836, ranking them 24th in MLB.
Recent Changes and Considerations
- William Contreras settled on a $9.4-million salary, a slight dip from an earlier $9.9 million projection.
- Gary Sánchez joined on a one-year deal, taking over Jeferson Quero’s minimum salary with a $1.75 million contract.
- Following trades, David Hamilton steps into a utility role, and Luis Rengifo adds depth with a $2 million contract.
- Roster tweaks include Brandon Lockridge replacing Blake Perkins in the outfield, and changes to the pitching lineup with Brandon Sproat and Kyle Harrison stepping in.
The payroll is slightly below the 2025 start, but it might edge higher. Uncertainties linger, especially with potential IL stints for Brandon Woodruff and Kyle Harrison.
If they start on the IL, expect two more minimum salaries to factor in. Craig Yoho and Steward Berroa’s IL status remains ambiguous between major and minor league lists.
As the season unfolds, these figures will adjust with contract incentives and roster changes. Cot’s initial projection for the Brewers’ 40-man roster sits at $126.3 million, accounting for declined options post-2025 and estimated minor league payments, plus $3.96 million for injury replacements.