After reaching an agreement with Hoby Milner the previous night, the Brewers proceeded to finalize new contracts with their remaining arbitration-eligible players on Thursday. Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames, Jake Bauers, Bryse Wilson, and Joel Payamps all inked one-year deals. Additionally, Devin Williams signed a one-year contract with a club option and incentives for the 2025 season.
Initial reports highlighted the agreements with Adames, Bauers, and Wilson. According to Robert Murray, Adames and the Brewers settled on a one-year deal worth $12.25 million. Curt Hogg provided details on Bauers’ contract, which amounts to $1.35 million. Adam McCalvy revealed that Wilson’s 2024 earnings would be $1 million. Projections from MLB Trade Rumors had estimated their respective salaries at $12.4 million, $1.7 million, and $1.3 million.
Later in the day, Jon Heyman and McCalvy reported Burnes’ agreement at $15.6375 million. This figure exceeded the projected $15.1 million for Burnes in his final season under club control. Mark Feinsand shared the details of Payamps’ agreement, which stands at $1.65 million, just slightly below the right-hander’s projected $1.7 million.
Jeff Passan reported the details of Devin Williams’ contract, which was the final one to be settled. Williams is set to earn $7.25 million in 2024. The club option for 2025 stands at $10.5 million and includes the potential for up to $1 million in performance-based escalators.
Although the Brewers already had control over Williams through 2025 via arbitration, the club option serves as a buyout for that final year if exercised. In case of any struggles in 2024, the Brewers have the option to decline and opt for a $250,000 buyout, resorting to arbitration if Williams’ projected salary is more cost-effective.
The negotiations had not concluded by the 7 p.m. filing deadline, initially hinting at a potential hearing. Williams had requested $7.3 million, while the Brewers filed for $6.65 million. The finalized contract aligns more closely with Williams’ 2024 request, providing the Brewers with some contractual flexibility in 2025.
Despite a slightly below-average year by his standards in 2023, Burnes made all 32 scheduled starts, maintaining a solid 3.39 ERA and 3.81 FIP. He secured his third consecutive selection to the National League All-Star team.
Willy Adames, coming off his least productive season as a Brewer, recorded a .217/.310/.407 (94 wRC+) slash line. Despite the offensive dip, his stellar defensive performance at shortstop contributed to a 3.4 fWAR, accentuated by 24 home runs.
Jake Bauers, acquired from the New York Yankees in November, is poised to be the Brewers’ starting first baseman. Despite a modest 89 wRC+ in 2023, his exceptional quality of contact positions him as a potential breakout candidate.
Bryse Wilson showcased versatility in the bullpen last year, assuming various roles from long reliever to occasional setup man. He compiled a 2.58 ERA and 4.13 FIP over 76 2⁄3 innings.
Continuing his dominance, Devin Williams maintained his status as one of baseball’s premier relievers in 2023, concluding the season with a stellar 1.53 ERA and 2.66 FIP while saving 36 games. His outstanding performance earned him the title of National League Reliever of the Year.