By Thursday’s conclusion, the Brewers must finalize contracts with certain players or initiate arbitration proceedings by exchanging salary figures. This marks the point in the offseason when teams address arbitration figures for eligible players, a process allowing players a modest, scheduled raise while maintaining affordability for the team. Players become arbitration-eligible after three years of MLB service, though the Super Two designation can expedite this process for some.
Should negotiations fail to yield a contract by a specific deadline, both parties must submit salary figures, leading to an arbitration hearing before Opening Day. A panel of three arbitrators then determines the player’s salary for the season. This year’s deadline for pre-exchange deals is noon Central time Thursday, with a figure submission deadline of 7 PM if no agreement is reached.
To avoid arbitration hearings this season, the Brewers need to secure deals with seven eligible players, excluding Hoby Milner, who already agreed to a one-year deal. The players in question, along with their projected salaries, are as follows:
1. Bryse Wilson (3.036 years): $1.3 million
2. Joel Payamps (3.027 years): $1.7 million
3. Jake Bauers (3.084 years): $1.7 million
4. Devin Williams (4.056 years): $6.5 million
5. Willy Adames (5.105 years): $12.4 million
6. Corbin Burnes (5.049 years): $15.1 million
The Brewers face a busy day attempting to secure deals for these players, as failure to reach an agreement may lead to arbitration hearings. Notable among these players is Corbin Burnes, who is in his final arbitration year before potentially entering free agency. The Brewers, mindful of their payroll and the potential loss of key players, may decide to extend some contracts or explore trade options. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the team’s composition and financial standing for the upcoming season.