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Milwaukee Brewers decline club option on 2x All-Star William Contreras

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 4:37 PM ET

There are already several members of the 2025 Milwaukee Brewers that will not be returning to the team in 2026. Of course, roster turnover is expected in some capacity every year, but the big question in Milwaukee will be whether or not they can improve upon a group of players that won a franchise record 97 games this past season.

Already, it has been announced that the Brewers have declined the club option for backup catcher Danny Jansen. Additionally, it was reported earlier today that Milwaukee had declined their part of their mutual option with first baseman Rhys Hoskins, though that decision was far from a surprise given the high price tag for 2026 and the emergence of Andrew Vaughn.

Brandon Woodruff also declined his end of the mutual option between himself and the club, but it is possible that the Brewers are going to be able to re-sign him for a salary less than the $20 million the option was worth.

The Milwaukee Brewers declined their option on two-time All-Star William Contreras

Milwaukee Brewers decline club option on 2x All-Star William Contreras 4 Oct 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning during game five of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that Milwaukee had declined their option on two-time All-Star catcher William Contreras, as well as that of left-handed starting pitcher Jose Quintana:

Today’s transactions pic.twitter.com/KKjfTfOnqF

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) November 4, 2025

The difference between the declining of Contreras’ option compared to those of the other players mentioned is that their two-time All-Star is still under club control because he is arbitration eligible.

Last offseason, Milwaukee and Contreras agreed to a two-year contract with 2025 paying the Silver Slugger $6.1 million with the club option for 2026 being worth $12 million.

Contreras played through a broken finger on his left hand all year, which affected his performance at the plate. After hitting .285/.366/.462 in his first two seasons with the Brewers, he hit .260/.355/.399 in 2025.

In all likelihood, Milwaukee probably thinks they can sign Contreras in arbitration for less than the $12 million he would have been owed had they picked up the option.

Contreras will be up for arbitration again in 2027, meaning he will not be a free agent until 2028.

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

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