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William Contreras capped a remarkable year by earning World Series Most Valuable Player honors after helping the Milwaukee Brewers secure the first championship in franchise history.
The Brewers catcher batted .381 in the five-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, recording eight hits and four RBIs. He delivered a run-scoring double in Milwaukee’s 4-1 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday night, helping the team complete its championship run.
Contreras also played a crucial role behind the plate, guiding Milwaukee’s pitching staff throughout the series and using Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System to his advantage. His all-around performance earned him recognition as the eighth catcher to win the World Series MVP award.
“I don’t want to offend any of the other catchers in the league,” Contreras said through an interpreter. “But sitting up here today, champion of the world, I feel like I’m the best catcher in the league.”
Contreras Leads Brewers to Historic Championship
The 28-year-old established himself as a leader of Milwaukee’s pitching staff throughout the postseason. He caught every postseason game for the Brewers and helped their pitchers navigate a demanding series against Tampa Bay.
Contreras also excelled with the automated challenge system, winning 10 of 13 appeals during the World Series. His ability to read the strike zone and recognize borderline pitches gave Milwaukee another advantage throughout the championship run.
Manager Pat Murphy praised Contreras for his intensity and contributions to the team.
“He’s our pit bull. You don’t just walk up and pet him. There’s a chance you get nipped,” Murphy said.
Contreras’ postseason performance extended beyond the World Series. He batted .444 with two home runs in the division series against San Diego before hitting .357 with a home run and three RBIs during Milwaukee’s championship series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Several Brewers players also delivered standout performances during the World Series. Cooper Pratt established a rookie record with six consecutive hits and tied the rookie record for seven RBIs. Jackson Chourio recorded 11 hits in 24 at-bats, while starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski went 2-0 and allowed one run in 10⅔ innings.
However, Contreras’ leadership, defense and timely hitting helped distinguish him from the other contenders.
Contreras Joins Exclusive Group of Catchers
Contreras became the eighth catcher to win World Series MVP, joining Gene Tenace, Johnny Bench, Steve Yeager, Darrell Porter, Rick Dempsey, Pat Borders and Salvador Perez.
Perez, who won the award with the Kansas City Royals in 2015, was the most recent catcher to receive the honor before Contreras.
The award also capped a strong regular season for Contreras. The three-time All-Star hit .270 with 18 home runs and a career-best 94 RBIs as Milwaukee secured its fourth consecutive National League Central title.
Although his regular-season numbers fell short of his previous standards, Contreras delivered his best performances when the Brewers needed them most.
Murphy said Contreras remained dissatisfied with aspects of his game, including his offensive production and defensive recognition, even as he helped Milwaukee reach the sport’s highest level.
“He’s disappointed his numbers aren’t better,” Murphy said. “He’s disappointed that he isn’t Gold Glove.”
World Series Victory Completes Special Year
The championship capped an unforgettable year for Contreras, who also helped Venezuela win its first World Baseball Classic title in March.
Although he went hitless in 13 at-bats during that tournament, Contreras finished the year with a World Series championship and its MVP award. He joined teammates Jackson Chourio and Antonio Senzatela, along with Alex Bregman and Luke Gregerson of the 2017 Houston Astros, as players who won both the World Baseball Classic and World Series in the same year.
The victory also brought a special family moment. Contreras embraced his older brother, Willson Contreras, after receiving the MVP trophy. Willson, a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, won a World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
William credited his brother as a role model and a trusted source of advice throughout his career.
“My brother is my role model. I don’t have a lot of friends. He’s my friend,” William said. “If I have something to ask somebody, I ask Willson.”
For Contreras, the achievement carried significance beyond baseball. He became emotional when discussing Venezuela and the opportunity to represent his country on the sport’s biggest stage.
“It means everything because that’s the first time Venezuela guys win the WBC and the World Series,” he said. “It’s history, history for my country. I love Venezuela. It’s my country.”
After helping deliver Milwaukee’s first championship, Contreras finished the year with two of baseball’s biggest trophies and a statement of confidence that reflected his achievement.
“Today, I feel like I’m the best catcher in the world,” he said.
