William Contreras breaks improbable Brewers franchise record due to iron-man mentality

Since arriving in Milwaukee, William Contreras has been an iron man for the Brewers. The catcher appeared in 141 games during his first season in Milwaukee in 2023, followed that up with an astonishing 155 games in 2024, then logged 150 appearances in 2025, and, with 14 games remaining in 2026, has already played in 136 games this year.

Those totals have consistently ranked among the highest in the league. Only Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals appeared in more games than Contreras in 2024, while Perez and Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners surpassed him in 2025. So far in 2026, only Perez's teammate Carter Jensen has appeared in more games among primary catchers, though Contreras has caught far more games (118) than Jensen (94) this year.

The addition of the universal designated hitter, which was adopted ahead of the 2022 season, has helped ease some of the workload behind the dish. However, Contreras has still caught a significant number of games during that span, appearing behind the plate 120 times in 2024, 128 times in 2025, and 118 times so far in 2026.

Similarly, Contreras has logged some of the most innings behind the plate during that span. His 1,060 innings in 2024 ranked fourth in the league, while his 1,111 innings in 2025 were the second-most. This season, his 1,002 innings are the most in the league.

Not only is Contreras among league leaders in innings caught over the last three seasons, but according to Brewers' Senior Director of Media Relations, Mike Vassallo, no other catcher in franchise history has caught 1,000 innings or more in three consecutive seasons.

William Contreras' iron-man mentality earns him a Brewers franchise record

Throughout Brewers franchise history, Contreras and Jonathan Lucroy are the only two catchers to record at least three seasons with 1,000 innings caught. Lucroy reached the mark in 2011, 2013, and 2014, with his infamous suitcase injury resulting in a fractured finger that sidelined him during the 2012 season.

Other catchers with 1,000 innings caught in a season for Milwaukee include Darrell Porter in 1974 and 1975, Charlie Moore in 1977, Ted Simmons in 1981, B.J. Surhoff in 1990 and 1991, and Jason Kendall in 2008 and 2009.

Such a small list, that has been compiled over 56 years, speaks to just how difficult it is to reach the 1,000-inning milestone at a position that is arguably the most physically demanding in the sport. It also makes Contreras’ durability, as well as exceptional production at the plate as a hitter, all the more impressive, especially considering he played through a fractured finger last season. Ultimately, Contreras' ability to continually take the field and handle such a heavy workload is a testament to his toughness and durability, and it has resulted in a franchise record.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow