The Milwaukee Brewers face 16 arbitration-eligible players, according to annual figures released by

The Milwaukee Brewers face 16 arbitration-eligible players, according to annual figures released by MLB Trade Rumors. That group is led by catcher William Contreras, second baseman Brice Turang, and first baseman Andrew Vaughn, setting up a complex financial ledger for the front office as the offseason unfolds under the shadow of potential labor disruption.

William Contreras Confronts a $14.6 Million Projection and a Club Option

William Contreras enters his fifth year of service time with a $14.6 million projection from MLB Trade Rumors, sitting just above the $14.5 million club option held by the Brewers for 2027. Last winter, Contreras and the Brewers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $9.4 million salary for 2026 alongside that $14.5 million option, establishing a new record for a second-year arbitration-eligible catcher. This time, his projected salary actually edges past the club option figure, reversing the dynamic from the previous year when the club declined a $12 million option that exceeded his projection.

The Brewers control Contreras through the 2027 season regardless of whether they exercise the option, leaving them the theoretical choice to decline it and attempt lower figures through arbitration. Such a move is unlikely because Contreras ranks among the premier catchers in baseball with no guarantee of a reduced award, and saving a negligible sum risks alienating a cornerstone player. Contreras played 147 games, batting .270 with a .341 on-base percentage and a .417 slugging percentage, alongside 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an All-Star selection, though his 2.9 bWAR dipped from his 3.8 mark in 2025.

Brice Turang and Andrew Vaughn Anchor the Infield Projections

Brice Turang is projected at $9.5 million after earning $4.15 million last season as a Super Two player, giving him the second-highest projection on the team. Turang built on his 2025 breakout by hitting .268/.366/.450 with 21 home runs, 100 RBIs, 102 runs, and 19 stolen bases, generating 7.3 bWAR and positioning himself for consideration near the top of National League MVP voting. He remains under club control through 2029.

First baseman Andrew Vaughn carries an $8.5 million projection in his final year of arbitration eligibility before heading toward free agency alongside Contreras after 2027. Vaughn signed a $7.65 million deal to avoid arbitration for 2026, though an injured list stint to open the year allowed Jake Bauers to capture significant playing time. In 104 games, Vaughn batted .306 with a .390 on-base percentage and a .444 slugging percentage, hitting six home runs.

Pitching and Depth Projections Shape the Wider Roster

Reliever Trevor Megill is projected at $8 million after outperforming his previous projection by signing a $4.7 million deal for 2026. Megill posted a 2.63 ERA, a 1.85 FIP, 30 saves, and 69 strikeouts over 61 2/3 innings, capitalizing on an arbitration system that heavily rewards saves. He joins Contreras and Vaughn as a potential free agent after the 2027 campaign.

Outfielder Garrett Mitchell is projected at $2.7 million after earning $950,000 in 2026 while playing a full 145-game schedule, batting .262/.354/.416 with 11 homers, 30 doubles, and 14 steals for 3.4 bWAR. Sal Frelick enters his first arbitration eligibility projected at $2.4 million following a tough season in which he batted .230 with a .295 on-base percentage over 111 games for a -0.5 bWAR. Joey Ortiz is also projected at $2.4 million after shifting to third base and compiling a .270/.328/.402 slash line worth 2.6 bWAR across 134 games.

Labor Uncertainties Threaten the Arbitration Timeline

The entire arbitration process faces a potential freeze if a lockout occurs during the offseason, an outcome identified as the most likely scenario. Even if the offseason proceeds without a work stoppage, a new collective bargaining agreement could overhaul the arbitration framework entirely, meaning these projected figures could shift before agreements are finalized.