The Milwaukee Brewers recently learned that they will be without starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff for most to all of the 2024 season as he underwent shoulder surgery to repair his capsule. This news comes at an interesting point in his career in which right now 2024 is the last season in which the Brewers have team control over him. As of right now after 2024 he would be a free agent.
With Brandon Woodruff unlikely to pitch in 2024 it may be wise for Milwaukee to discuss a two year contract extension with him. This would lock him into a contract one year beyond his arbitration years expiring, would allow him to focus fully on rehabbing in 2024, and if all goes well would guarantee that he gets to pitch for the Brewers again once ready in 2025.
Brewers beat reporter Adam McCalvy suggested this same thing in his write up of the story, but he also revealed some interesting news in the fact that Milwaukee and Brandon Woodruff had been in contract extension talks previously.
Brandon Woodruff and the Milwaukee Brewers should resume contract extension talks with an emphasis on a two year deal.
In Adam McCalvy’s article he wrote, “The Brewers and Woodruff’s agent, Bo McKinnis, could negotiate a multi-year contract now with the idea that he’d rehab in 2024, then have a chance to re-establish himself in ’25 and possibly beyond. Since the sides have occasionally talked about a contract extension during Woodruff’s time with the Brewers, those talks wouldn’t exactly be starting from scratch, although the circumstances have dramatically changed.”
Should a contract extension not occur Milwaukee could elect to keep him by tendering him a contract and retaining him for 2024 with the risk of him signing elsewhere after the season is complete. They could also trade him to another team willing to accept those same risks. Another option would be to non-tender him and make him a free agent this off-season.
From the outside looking in a two year contract extension makes a good deal of sense. It gives Brandon Woodruff security for two more years while ensuring that he returns for at least one more season in Milwaukee. Hurdles with this include the two sides agreeing on a price and the prognosis of him returning as an elite level pitcher once recovered.
The Milwaukee Brewers face a pivotal decision regarding starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who will miss most or all of the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. Amidst this setback, discussions arise about a potential two-year contract extension for Woodruff. Dive deeper into this development and stay updated with the latest Milwaukee Brewers News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What round was Brandon Woodruff drafted?
Brandon Woodruff was drafted in the fifth round by the Texas Rangers in the 2011 MLB Draft, and in the 11th round by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2014 MLB Draft.
What team does Brandon Woodruff play for?
Brandon Woodruff is a starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball. He has been a key player for the team and has made significant contributions to their success. Woodruff's impressive pitching skills have earned him a prominent spot in the Brewers' rotation.
1 Comment
The arb system seems harsh and unfair to many–see Corbin Burnes and a fan base last year who made comments about it when they didn’t combine to make what he makes in a year and any 10 of them made a total of HALF of the difference between what he got and what he wanted–but injuries are a huge part of it.
An injured player results in much more financial loss for the team. Woodie made a little more than Burnes last year, and availability may be a factor in his arb raise for this year, but he had a better year than Burnes, who will jump from 10 to 16 million according to reports.
I’d like to see contracts suspended during season long injuries and players in all sports given their league’s minimum for recovery years. Even then, resuming a contract like this one at close to 15 million may not be one that the player can live up to (and it’s even worse if it were a player locked up long term at an even higher value). It can be tough on the team too.
This is tough for Woodie, it will also force the team to cut corners in places, which in turn will result in a product that isn’t as good for the fans. One domino like this can hurt every aspect of the equation.