The Milwaukee Brewers have made it official: William Contreras will be behind the plate for them in 2026 - and they didn’t need an arbitration hearing to get there.
Contreras and the Brewers agreed to a $9.4 million deal for the upcoming season, sidestepping what could’ve been a tense arbitration process. The agreement also includes a club option for 2027 worth $14.5 million, along with performance-based bonuses. It’s a move that gives Milwaukee some short-term stability with one of their most valuable players, while leaving the door open for longer-term flexibility.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t just any catcher we’re talking about. Contreras is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger who’s been a cornerstone for the Brewers since arriving in Milwaukee. Even in a slightly down year by his standards, he posted a .260 average with a .754 OPS - numbers that would be solid for most hitters and are especially impressive at the catcher position, where offensive production is often a luxury.
Since putting on a Brewers uniform, Contreras has been nothing short of consistent. He’s never dipped below 3.7 bWAR in a season and has earned MVP votes in both 2023 and 2024. That kind of production, paired with his defensive work behind the plate, makes him one of the most complete catchers in the game today.
This agreement is also a savvy bit of business for Milwaukee. By avoiding arbitration, the team maintains good standing with a key player, and the $14.5 million club option for 2027 gives them the chance to keep him around without committing long-term just yet. If Contreras continues to perform at the level he has, that option could look like a bargain.
Of course, the Brewers have shown a willingness to move big-name players when the return is right - the recent Freddy Peralta trade being a prime example. So while locking in Contreras for 2026 is a win for now, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s untouchable going forward. If Milwaukee decides to pivot toward a rebuild or retool, Contreras could be one of the most valuable trade chips on the market next winter.
But that’s a conversation for another day. Right now, the Brewers have one of the best catchers in baseball under contract for 2026, and they didn’t have to go to battle in a hearing room to make it happen. That’s a win for the front office, a win for Contreras, and - most importantly - a win for a Brewers team looking to stay competitive in a shifting NL Central landscape.