Milwaukee Brewers Avoid Arbitration with William Contreras with Creative Contract

The Milwaukee Brewers have avoided an arbitration hearing with William Contreras, coming to terms for 2025. They also have come up with a creative option for 2026 as well.

Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) makes his way in from the bullpen to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in 2024. / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Milwaukee Brewers have avoided an arbitration hearing with standout catcher William Contreras.

Feinsand posted the following on social media:

William Contreras and the Brewers have settled to avoid arbitration, per source. Contreras will receive $6 million in 2025, with a $12 million club option for 2026 ($100,000 buyout). Contreras had filed for $6.5 million and the Brewers filed at $5.6 million.

William Contreras and the Brewers have settled to avoid arbitration, per source. Contreras will receive $6 million in 2025, with a $12 million club option for 2026 ($100,000 buyout). Contreras had filed for $6.5 million and the Brewers filed at $5.6 million.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 31, 2025

So, Contreras will play this season at $6 million. Contreras is also under team control for 2026 no matter what, it's just a question of what the number is. If he plays very well, the team is likely to exercise the $12 million option to save arbitration money. If he plays poorly or gets hurt, the team will likely decline and come to terms on a smaller number via arbitration.

At 27 years old, Contreras is one of the best catchers in all of baseball. He's coming off a year in which he hit .281 with 23 homers and 92 RBI. He earned his second All-Star Game appearance and helped the Brewers win the National League Central by a whopping 10 games.

A five-year veteran of the Atlanta Braves and Brewers, Contreras also helped Atlanta win the 2021 World Series.

If the Brewers are going to be true contenders again in 2025, they'll need Contreras to continue to elevate the lineup. After losing Willy Adames in free agency (San Francisco Giants), there's even more pressure on Contreras and youngster Jackson Chourio to produce.

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