PHOENIX -- Hours before their scheduled arbitration hearing on Thursday, the Brewers and catcher William Contreras reached a one-year deal for 2026.
“I’m happy that it worked out the way it did,” manager Pat Murphy said. “A lot of people put a lot of work in to make that happen. I’m really excited. William will sleep well tonight and get ready to go for spring.”
The deal is for $9.4 million this season, with a $14.5 million club option for 2027 that converts to a mutual option if Contreras finishes in the top four in NL MVP voting, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Terms were not confirmed by the club.
There is also a performance-based bonus structure, as follows:
• MVP: $100,000
• MVP runner up: $75,000
• MVP 3rd place: $50,000
• All-Star selection: $50,000
• Silver Slugger Award: $50,000
• Hank Aaron Award: $50,000
• World Series MVP: $50,000
• Comeback Player of the Year: $50,000
• Gold Glove: $25,000
• LCS MVP: $25,000
"He means a ton to our team. And I have a good relationship with him, and I value him a lot," president of baseball operations Matt Arnold said. "And so having a deal done for him, I know is important. And I love how he plays the game and who he is and what he means to our franchise. So I'm thrilled to get a deal done."
In his first two years with the Brewers, Contreras won the NL Silver Slugger Award while combining for 40 homers and 170 RBIs.
His offensive numbers dipped a little last season as the 28-year-old played through multiple injuries to his left hand. Contreras still produced a slash line of .260/.355/.399 with 17 homers and 76 RBIs, but the catcher enters camp healthy and Murphy expects even better things this year.
“I think he’ll be better than [his All-Star season in 2024],” said Murphy. “I think he’s got a great year ahead of him.”
News of a broken middle finger on Contreras’ left hand first surfaced after a May 6 game against the Astros, but the backstop was determined to play through it.
He did.
Despite numerous foul tips and general catcher-receiving wear and tear, plus some hit-by-pitches and an opposing batter backswing to his wrist, Contreras played 150 games and helped lead the winningest season in franchise history.
"He plays the game the way we like to play, and he doesn't want to come off the field, and he's a tenacious competitor, and I love that about him,” Arnold said. “You know, he never wants to come out of the lineup. And so I think that's what makes him special, and why he's maybe the best catcher in the game."
Aside from his contribution in the middle of the lineup, Contreras is relied on for his high-energy approach and the sharp edge he brings to the game.
Murphy values that tenacity as much as having Contreras’ bat in the middle of the lineup.
“I love having him on this club and I love what he brings, because it’s no nonsense and it’s right in your face,” Murphy said. “There’s one objective and that’s to get it done, and I love that about him. It’s rare to have that much of that in a player.
“I don’t think I’d call him a throwback, but I’d call him a pitbull. He is ready to go. It’s good to have chains nearby to put on him once in a while, because he’s ready to go.”
Contreras enters camp with a clean bill of health after having November surgery to repair the finger.
“The new finger looks great,” Arnold said. “Yeah, very proud of the finger. He needs like a bionic finger. Can we do that?”