The Brewers are in agreement with star hurler Brandon Woodruff on a $10.8MM deal to avoid arbitration, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN (Twitter link). They’ll avoid a hearing in the third of four trips through the process for Woodruff, who first qualified as a Super Two player during the 2020-21 offseason.
A former 11th-round pick, Woodruff has broken out as one of the game’s best starters. He’s a two-time All-Star who hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.05 in any of the past three seasons. Woodruff struck out 30.6% of opponents over 27 starts last season, with a three-week absence due to a high ankle sprain the only black mark on his year.
MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected Woodruff for an $11MM salary. His deal comes up in a tick below that but not meaningfully so, and he’s set up well for another raise in 2024. He’ll reach free agency for the first time at the end of the ’24 campaign, when he’d be headed into his age-32 season.
There’s been a fair bit of speculation about the possibility of Milwaukee making Woodruff or ace Corbin Burnes available in trade talks at some point. The Brewers typically run player payrolls a bit lower than average and have shown a general willingness to listen to trade offers on star players in their arbitration seasons. That doesn’t seem to be a consideration this offseason, as Milwaukee has reportedly taken Burnes, Woodruff and Willy Adames off the table in talks this winter.
Bravo, well deserved
Agreed, although I think he’ll be traded within the next year. Especially if the brewers struggle this season.
This guy does not get enough credit. He’s the ace of the staff on at least 10 other teams.
Probably 20-25 IMO
You’re probably not wrong, I was just trying to be nice to the other half of the leagues rotations, ha.
I’ve got the rest of the NLC
Giants Rockies
Nats Braves Phillies (?)
As Mariners (?)
Rays Os Sox Jays (?)
Royals White Sox Tigers Twins
I’ve got something close to 16-19. Anyone disagree?
Those add up to 18 since I would say Nola and Wheeler are probably better than him, considering pitching environment. I would have even added the Rangers before deGrom became a Texas Ranger. Maybe add the Red Sox possibly (sure Sale has been one of the best lefties ever, but he is aging and coming off an injury). Maybe, you can even add the Padres.
I didn’t add the padres because Darvish IMO is a bit better
I wouldn’t include the Mariners. He might be better than Castillo, but it’s possible he’s not too.
He’d possibly be the number 3 on Atlanta. I definately don’t see him above Fried.
Personally I’d leave Braves, Jays, White Sox and Mariners off the list. Cant say Woodruff is better than Max Fried, Robbie Ray/Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease or Luis Castillo.
Why are you so bullish on Robbie Ray?
Its not even that I’m so bullish on Ray more than I acknowledge the success he’s had over Woodruff.
Darvish was injured in 2018, below average in 2019, and kinda bad in 2021. He’s not nearly the same pitcher as he was from 2013-17. Still very good but maybe no longer the lights out ace he once was. He’s also 35 and due to start fading.
Woody at the present is much better. Not a little worse.
I think this came in just below the projection. Mark A. can afford name brand ramen this year!
I don’t see the Brewers subtracting from their roster with trades unless they do worse than expected in the first half. The Cardinals are the favorites to win the division but the Brewers have a legitimate chance.
Couple more seasons of consistency and he will get himself a nice big fat deal.
Looks like Captain Sal is back in the GM role. Need to get to Spring Training to wish Burnes well!