The Milwaukee Brewers currently have a plethora of catchers on their roster. Members of the 40-man roster include William Contreras, Gary Sanchez, Eric Haase, and Jeferson Quero. In the minor leagues Austin Nola signed this off-season and received an invite to big league camp.
1 Milwaukee Brewers catcher can opt out of their contract prior to opening day.
Out of the Brewers catching group Austin Nola has the ability to opt out of his contract as early as March 24. He did sign a minor league deal but with several players ahead of him on the depth chart blocking his way to the big leagues it seems inevitable that he opts out. Injuries and other roster decisions could influence this, but as the roster stands today he has no clear path to returning to the major leagues.
Why does Austin Nola have an opt out in his contract?
When the collective bargaining agreement changed a season ago opt out clauses were added to specific free agent signees. Players who signed minor league deals, have at least six years of service time, finished the previous season on a major league roster or injured list, and signed more than ten days prior to Opening Day have three opt out dates built into their contract. Those dates are five days before Opening Day, May 1 and June 1.
Another former San Diego Padre caused quite the stir in Brewers camp last year with his opt out date.
In spring training last year the Brewers had Luke Voit signed on to a minor league contract. He similarly had an opt out five days prior to opening day. His strong performance in Arizona forced Milwaukee to add him to the 40-man roster and prevent him from opting out and signing with any other team.
Follow me on Twitter @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
