In the world of Major League Baseball, the clock is ticking for teams and players as they approach the pivotal arbitration deadline of January 8. To clarify, this deadline is set for noon Central Time, while a more practical cutoff known by both parties is at 7 p.m. Once this deadline passes, both sides must exchange their final salary proposals, leading to a potential arbitration hearing where a neutral party will determine the player's salary for the upcoming season. But here's where it gets controversial: while many teams adhere strictly to this timeline, opting for what’s called a "file-and-trial" method—where the deadline serves as a definitive end point for negotiations—the Milwaukee Brewers have shown a tendency to stray from this path in recent years.
To illustrate, last year, the Brewers successfully negotiated a deal with William Contreras after the official deadline had passed, and similarly avoided an arbitration hearing with Devin Williams two years prior. Currently, the Brewers are in discussions with six players before the deadline, including Contreras, Trevor Megill, Garrett Mitchell, Brice Turang, Andrew Vaughn, and Angel Zerpa. Notably, they have already reached an agreement with first baseman Jake Bauers ahead of the November deadline to tender contracts to players eligible for arbitration.
Here’s what we know so far as updates on the agreements start to roll in:
Angel Zerpa Secures a Deal
The Brewers have signed left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in December in exchange for Nick Mears and Isaac Collins. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Zerpa's new contract is worth $1.095 million.
Trevor Megill Signs for $4.7 Million
Trevor Megill is in his second year of arbitration eligibility, having previously earned $1.94 million in 2025. The right-handed reliever made headlines during the last season with his first All-Star selection and an impressive tally of 30 saves while maintaining a strong earned run average of 2.49. This year, he is set to earn $4.7 million, as reported by Ari Alexander.
Brice Turang Receives a Lucrative Super-2 Payment
Brice Turang qualifies for arbitration as a "Super 2" player, which places him in the top 22% of players who have between two and three years of major league service time. FanSided's Robert Murray announced that Turang has settled with the Brewers for $4.15 million, positioning him well for substantial arbitration salaries over the next three years. Given the likelihood that the Brewers will need to invest in retaining their second baseman each season, could this lead to discussions about a long-term extension?
Andrew Vaughn Set to Earn Over $7 Million
With Vaughn joining Bauers at first base, the Brewers have solidified their infield. Vaughn's agreement will see him receiving $7.65 million in 2026, according to Murray. After being traded midseason from the Chicago White Sox, Vaughn posted an impressive batting average of .308 and an on-base plus slugging percentage of .869 with Milwaukee. However, he has only two years of club control remaining after 2026, which raises questions: could his rising performance push him beyond what the Brewers are willing to pay?
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds throughout the day. What do you think about the Brewers' negotiation strategies? Are they wise to avoid the traditional file-and-trial approach, or do you believe they should stick to established norms? Share your thoughts in the comments!
