Brewers catcher William Contreras earns World Series MVP after historic title run
Contreras hit .381 with four RBIs and led in defensive plays as Milwaukee won its first championship.
By Rebecca Foster ·
William Contreras accepted the World Series MVP award on October 29, capping a season that delivered the Milwaukee Brewers their first franchise championship. The All-Star catcher finished the five-game series with an .381 average, going eight for 21 at the plate. He drove in four runs and recorded only one strikeout, demonstrating a consistent offensive presence throughout the postseason.
Beyond his hitting, Contreras anchored the defense in critical moments. He succeeded on ten of fourteen automated ball-strike challenges, a high-volume metric that reflects his judgment and positioning. He also threw out four of nine basestealers, a defensive performance that stabilized the Brewers' infield. His all-around play earned him the series award over several teammates who posted impressive statistics.
Speaking through an interpreter after the final out of Game 5, Contreras expressed gratitude for his support system. "I don't have words to say for how I'm feeling," he said. "I'm just appreciative of my teammates, appreciative of (manager Pat) Murphy. I want to thank all of them." His reaction highlighted the team-first culture that defined the clubhouse during the run to the title.
Contreras achieved a specific historical milestone during the series. He became the 27th player in World Series history to record multiple hits in each of the first three games. This included a three-hit performance in Game 3. In Game 1, he collected two hits and threw out two runners, establishing early momentum for the team. His consistency across multiple facets of the game set him apart from other candidates for the award.
The competition for the MVP title was fierce. Ace reliever Aaron Ashby pitched five and two-thirds scoreless innings across the series. Jackson Chourio batted .458, going 11 for 24. Rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt hit .421, going 8 for 19, and recorded a hit in four consecutive at-bats spanning Games 4 and 5. Despite these strong showings, Contreras's combination of offensive production and defensive excellence secured the honor.
The Brewers acquired Contreras in December 2022 as part of a three-team trade with the Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics involving Sean Murphy. The move has transformed into a major win for Milwaukee, with Contreras emerging as one of the league's top catchers. He has played in two All-Star Games and now holds the title of World Series MVP. He is the first catcher to receive the award since Salvador Perez with the 2015 Kansas City Royals.
Teammates praised his relentless work ethic. Aaron Ashby described Contreras as the team's bulldog. "This team's not what it is without this guy," Ashby said after Game 5. "He wants to compete every day. He's our bulldog and we love this dude." Contreras's performance solidified his status as a cornerstone of the new Milwaukee era.
