Overview
- He agreed to a one-year, $22.025 million deal, the highest average annual value ever for a Brewers pitcher.
- He is one of four players to accept qualifying offers this cycle, joining Shota Imanaga, Trent Grisham and Gleyber Torres.
- His return fortifies a 2026 rotation led by veterans and emerging arms, while analysts note the salary tightens short-term payroll unless a multi-year extension spreads the cost.
- After nearly two years lost to shoulder surgery, he logged a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 12 starts in 2025 before a lat strain, and he says he is on track to be full-go for spring training following a recent medical check.
- He declined a $20 million mutual option and took a $10 million buyout before Milwaukee extended the qualifying offer, which would have triggered draft-pick compensation had he signed elsewhere.