People who closely follow the Brewers have been wondering: when is William Contreras’ arbitration hearing? In January, the two sides were separated by $1.35 million and did not come to an agreement. We’ve been waiting for news since then, especially in the last two weeks, as the remaining arbitration cases have been heard.
Well, Contreras and the Brewers did not require a hearing, after all. They’ve agreed to a one-year deal with a club option for 2027. While terms haven’t yet been disclosed, that’s similar to the 1+1 deal he signed before the 2025 season. Contreras made $6.1 million in 2025, but the Brewers declined their 2026 club option (reportedly worth $12 million), instead preferring to negotiate his arbitration salary again. That move saved them a few million dollars, as Contreras filed at $9.9 million and the Brewers countered at $8.55 million.
Whether the Brewers decline Contreras’ option after this season or choose to pick it up, they’ll still have his rights through the 2027 season.
We’ll update this article when we hear the terms of Contreras’s contract. His was the last outstanding case, and all Brewers currently on the team are now signed.
Update: Jon Heyman has the terms:
So, depending if Contreras doesn’t reach any of those mysterious Awards Bonuses, the Brewers will have saved $2.6 million by declining the club option for 2026.
