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Milwaukee Brewers: Pat Murphy just became one of MLB’s highest-paid manager with new contract extension

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 9:00 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers found themselves in a position they probably did not envision following the 2023 MLB season. Prior to that off-season, the Brewers were led by manager Craig Counsell, who always marketed himself as a homegrown son who had gotten his dream job. Indeed, Milwaukee milked the fact that he was native of the area for years.

But following the 2023 season, Counsell declined the Brewers’ contract offer and instead signed a more lucrative deal with their biggest rival, the Chicago Cubs. Since then, Counsell has been one of the most unpopular sports figures in the state of Wisconsin.

When Counsell decided to bolt, there were not many who thought that it would be his bench coach, Pat Murphy who would take over as manager. But as the last two seasons have proven, there could not have been a better hire.

The Milwaukee Brewers have given Pat Murphy a three-year contract extension

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy could make history with latest award nomination 1 Oct 6, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy (49) walks back to the dugout after making a pitching change during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game two of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

After taking over the Brewers in 2024, Murphy led the team to a 93-69 record, a National League Central Division title, and became the first skipper in franchise history to win the NL Manager of the Year Award.

Last year, he led them to a 97-65 record, the most wins in franchise history, another division title, a berth in the National League Championship Series, and won NL Manager of the Year again.

2026, though, was supposed to be the final year of his initial three-year contract that he signed with Milwaukee in 2024. However, it was announced on Thursday evening that he had received a three-year contract extension from the Brewers, which includes a club option for 2029:

Pat Murphy’s new deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, which adds two years onto his contract and includes a club option for 2029, guarantees $8.95 million in new money and makes him one of the highest-paid managers in MLB, sources tell ESPN. First on the agreement: @Ken_Rosenthal.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 20, 2026