"Dangerous game to play" - MLB insider warns Brewers over arbitration battle with William Contreras in light of $900,000 gap

The Milwaukee Brewers and All-Star catcher William Contreras are heading to arbitration court after failing to reach a contract agreement before Thursday’s deadline. Contreras filed at $6.5 million, while the Brewers countered at $5.6 million, leaving a $900,000 gap in negotiations.

MLB insider Robert Murray highlighted the potential risks of the arbitration process for the Brewers. Drawing parallels with past disputes involving Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader, Murray pointed out how arbitration hearings can damage relationships between players and organizations.

"When I covered the Brewers, I saw them go to different arbitration hearings with Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader, and it fractured relationships on both sides," Murray said on Baseball Insiders podcast (5:45 onwards).

"I don’t think there was ever a real chance that those guys would stay there long term unless they took a discount. But it was clear that the relationships were not the same afterward.

"In Contreras’s case, the Brewers run the same risk of impacting their relationship with him. It’s a dangerous game to play. If I were the Brewers — or any team — I would stay as far away from an arbitration hearing as possible."

Contreras is a key player for the Brewers, serving as their top hitter and a key part of their offensive future alongside top prospect Jackson Chourio. The decision to proceed with arbitration could have long-term implications.

“Contreras is someone they want to build their franchise around,” Murray added. “By taking him to an arbitration hearing, they could potentially damage their relationship with him.”

---

Willliam Contreras' case for arbitration with the Brewers

Out of six eligible players for arbitration, the Brewers settled with all but one, who also happens to be their most valuable player, William Contreras.

He's coming off a fine year, hitting .281/.365/.466 (129 OPS+) with 23 homers, 92 RBIs, and nine steals across a career-high 155 games and also came fifth in NL MVP voting. While he made $767,000 in 2024, his stellar season contributed to the handsome salary projections in his first year of arbitration.

It won't be the first time the Brewers go for arbitration with their star player. Former NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes went to the hearing in 2023 for $10.01 million vs $10.75 million.

It also raises questions about whether saving $900,000 is worth risking a strained relationship with one of their brightest stars.