How the Brewers might navigate tricky William Contreras case

Last year, the Brewers took a strategic approach with Contreras’ contract. They slightly overpaid him in 2025 compared to arbitration projections, but in doing so, they gave themselves the chance to save money in 2026 by setting a fixed $12 million salary. That figure could have easily been exceeded had Contreras’ offensive production mirrored his 2024 season, where he finished fifth in MVP votes and won a Silver Slugger award.

Looking ahead, a similar strategy may be beneficial for both sides. Perhaps meeting in the middle, around $11.5 million for 2026 would satisfy both parties, while again setting a salary for 2027, that can be picked up by the club if they chose, prior to his final season of arbitration.

It will be interesting to see how Contreras’ contract situation plays out this offseason: whether the two sides reach an agreement or proceed to arbitration. Milwaukee’s decision to decline his option wasn’t personal but purely a business move aimed at saving money.

Contreras gave everything in 2025, showing remarkable grit and toughness by playing through a fractured finger. Unfortunately, the arbitration process doesn’t account for intangibles like perseverance, and with his numbers dipping slightly, a modest pay decrease appears likely.