Right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff has officially accepted a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million from the Milwaukee Brewers, as confirmed by a league source to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. This decision marks a significant moment for Woodruff, who is not only a two-time All-Star but also the only professional team he has ever played for, reinforcing his commitment to the Brewers organization.
At 32 years old, Woodruff faced the challenge of recovery following shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season. Despite this setback, he demonstrated his talent during the 2025 season with a solid performance that included a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 64.2 innings in 12 starts. However, he once again missed the postseason due to a right lat strain.
Previously, Woodruff had declined a $20 million mutual option for the upcoming season, prompting the Brewers to extend a qualifying offer to secure his services for 2026. By accepting this offer, Woodruff ensures that the Brewers retain a key pitcher following their successful run to the National League Championship Series, showcasing their intention to compete in the coming season.
With the exception of franchise star Christian Yelich, Woodruff stands as the only player on the roster set to earn more than $8 million next season. Notably, catcher William Contreras is projected to receive around $11.1 million through arbitration.
Analyzing Woodruff’s performance on the mound reveals that he remains a formidable presence in the rotation. Although he showed a decrease in velocity with his four-seam fastball averaging 93.1 mph—down from 96 mph in his previous seasons—he adapted by using more two-seam fastballs and incorporating a cutter into his arsenal. His elite strikeout and walk rates further highlight his effectiveness, and he achieved a career-low expected ERA of 2.18.
Looking ahead, Woodruff has expressed optimism about returning to his former velocity and performance level in the 2026 season. This prospect is exciting for Brewers fans, especially considering that from 2021 to 2023, prior to his surgery, he was one of the league’s top pitchers, boasting a remarkable 2.70 ERA along with 475 strikeouts over nearly 400 innings.
As the Brewers prepare for a new season, Woodruff’s return bodes well for their pitching staff, signaling a continued commitment to competing at a high level in Major League Baseball.