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Milwaukee Brewers could certainly re-sign popular 2x All-Star after latest salary projection

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 10:27 AM ET

There are few players on the Milwaukee Brewers roster that is more beloved by fans than starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff. A two-time All-Star, Woodruff is one of the best pitchers in franchise history and was one of just three players on this year’s roster who saw the team return to the NLCS after also playing for Milwaukee when they last made it that deep in the playoffs (2018).

Unfortunately, Woodruff was not able to participate in the NLCS this year, which the Brewers lost 4-0 to the eventual World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, due to a lat strain that he suffered in September.

That lat strain derailed what was one of the best comeback stories in all of baseball this season as Woodruff returned to the mound after nearly two full years due to a shoulder injury. It was heartbreaking for fans, and Woodruff most of all, when news broke he had gotten hurt again, especially considering the uncertainty of his future with the franchise.

The Milwaukee Brewers have hope to re-sign Brandon Woodruff

Milwaukee Brewers face tough decisions on 2 All-Star pitchers 1 Sep 6, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Despite his shoulder injury in 2023, the Brewers re-signed Woodruff to a two-year contract for 2025 and 2026. However, that contract includes a $20 million mutual option for next season, one that Milwaukee will almost surely decline.

The question, of course, is what the two-time All-Star can be expected to be offered in free agency and whether or not the Brewers will be able to compete with other teams for his services.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, though, Woodruff’s market may not be as lucrative as some fans may initially believed. In his recent free agent rankings, he predicts that the long-time Brewers fireballer will get a two-year $22 million contract in free agency. He also names Milwaukee as one of two “best fits” for Woodruff (the Texas Rangers being the other).

Of Woodruff, Bowden wrote:

“Woodruff missed all of the 2024 season and part of this year after undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2023. He made his 2025 debut in July and became a legitimate contender for Comeback Player of the Year with 12 strong starts (3.20 ERA, 0.912 WHIP). However, a right lat strain in late September forced him to miss the playoffs. Obviously, the medical risk assessment will determine what types of offers he gets in free agency, but if healthy, he could be one of the best value signings in free agency.”

In 12 starts last season, Woodruff was 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. If Milwaukee can indeed bring him back for just $11 million a year, it would go a long way for their starting pitching depth, which everyone saw in 2025 cannot be deep enough.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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