Brewers Lock In All-Star Catcher Contreras for 2026 Season

One-year deal with club option gives Milwaukee stability behind the plate

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Milwaukee Brewers have finalized a one-year, $9.4 million contract with All-Star catcher William Contreras, avoiding arbitration and securing his services for the 2026 season. The deal also includes a club option for 2027 worth $14.5 million, providing the Brewers with flexibility to retain Contreras beyond next year.

Why it matters

Contreras has been a key part of the Brewers' lineup, making the All-Star team in 2023 and 2024. Locking him up for 2026 and potentially 2027 gives the team stability and continuity at the catcher position as they look to build on recent playoff appearances.

The details

This is the second straight year Contreras and the Brewers have reached a deal just before arbitration hearings. The 28-year-old initially filed for $9.9 million, while the team offered $8.55 million, settling on a compromise. The one-year contract with a club option is treated as a multi-year deal, preventing it from being used as precedent in future arbitration cases.

  • The contract was finalized on February 12, 2026.
  • Contreras faced a fractured left middle finger for most of the 2025 season.

The players

William Contreras

A 28-year-old All-Star catcher who has been a key part of the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup, making the All-Star team in 2023 and 2024.

Milwaukee Brewers

A Major League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that has made recent playoff appearances and is looking to build on that success.

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What’s next

The Brewers will look to build around Contreras as they prepare for the 2026 season, with the club option for 2027 providing them flexibility to potentially retain him beyond next year.

The takeaway

By securing Contreras with this contract, the Brewers ensure ongoing stability in their catching position and bolster their lineup with a proven performer. The deal also gives the team flexibility to potentially keep Contreras beyond 2026, which could be crucial as they look to maintain their recent success.