Brewers' extension framework just became clear after Mariners' deal with Cal Raleigh

This offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers and William Contreras agreed to a one year, $6 million deal with a $12 million club option for 2026 and a $100,000 buyout. The contract came during his first of three arbitration years, which means that even if his club option is declined next off-season the two sides will then have to renegotiate or potentially go to an arbitration hearing.

Before Contreras and the Brewers came to this agreement, one player whose pay scale was being used a good comp was Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. Raleigh previously agreed to a $5.6 million deal this off-season, avoiding arbitration, but he has since gone on to sign a six year, $105 million deal.

One impact of Raleigh's contract extension, which places him third among active catchers in regard to average annual value ($17.5 million AAV), is that it paves a framework for what an extension would look like if the Brewers and Contreras opened up discussions.

Milwaukee Brewers framework to a William Contreras contract extension just got paved

Raleigh, whose six year deal starts this season and includes a $10 million signing bonus, will earn $11 million next year, $12 million in 2027, $23 million 2028-2030, and includes a $20 million player option with a $2 million buyout for 2031. Should the 2031 option be exercised, Raleigh would remain under contract through his age 34 season.

Contreras, who like Raleigh is entering his first year of arbitration but at a full year younger, has had the highest fWAR among catchers over the past two seasons at 11.4. He also has made two All-Star appearances, won two silver sluggers, and finished fifth in MVP voting a season ago. Raleigh is a platinum glove award winner and is coming off of back-to-back seasons of 30 or more home runs.

Needless to say, Raleigh's deal sets a clear starting point for what any future extension talks between the Brewers and Contreras would look like as he would surely surpass what Raleigh received.

Contreras probably has his sights set on something more along the lines as to what J.T. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to, which was a $23.1 million AAV deal that spanned five years and totaled $115.5 million.

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