The right-hander finalized a two-year contract with Milwaukee worth $17.5 million that includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. The deal came a full three months after the Brewers allowed the injured pitcher to test free agency rather than offer him a contract for 2024.
Also announced the signing of a one-year contract On Wednesday, Milwaukee signed catcher Gary Sanchez with a mutual option for 2025. Sánchez hit 19 homers while playing for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets last season.
Due to his shoulder surgery, the 31-year-old Woodruff is anticipated to miss most of the 2017 season, if not all of it. When he returns to the mound, which could be this year or next, the two-time All-Star might sign a new deal to remain with the Brewers.
Brandon Brewers return to his family
When we non-tendered Brandon in November, we said we had to decide the best pitchers and one that would be very difficult,” Brewers baseball president of operations Matt Arnold said in a statement Wednesday. ” “We also said we are very open to his return to Milwaukee. Today, I’m happy to say that Brandon Brewers is back in the family. As Brandon recovers, we’re excited to help him get back on the mound at American Family Field.
$2.5 million Woodruff will receive this year and in 2025 $5 million. In 2026, The deal includes a mutual option for $20 million for 2026, with half paid for a $10 million buyout on January 15, 2026, and the remainder due on July 15, 2026. It also included a full no-trade provision in the contract that provided Woodruff with access to road trips and a hotel suite.
When the Brewers decided to non-tender him, Woodruff was arbitration-eligible and would have been under team control for another year. His surgery was done in October.
Regarding his potential availability for the upcoming season, Woodruff said he is going to follow orders from Dr. Keith Meister who performed surgery on the Texas Rangers team.
Updates of Hot stove
After surgery he said “Day by day, week by week, month by month I’ll look at it, see where I am at the end of the year,” Woodruff said. “If it makes sense, then maybe. If not, I’ll be ready to go for 25.”
With Woodruff’s experienced leadership and clubhouse presence, the Brewers believe they can get a boost, even if he is unable to pitch this season.
This year, I’m going to be a big cheerleader. so Woodruff said, and I look forward to doing this. I feel like that’s something that will help me grow mentally and get me to where I want to be physically throughout this year. “I just think it would be a great thing to be available to people and I will try to help in any way I can.”
He went 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 67 innings last season before being sidelined for four months due to inflammation in his right shoulder. A day before Game 1 of their NL Wild Card series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Woodruff re-injured his shoulder as the Brewers announced.
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