William Contreras wins World Series MVP as Brewers claim first championship

William Contreras was named the 2026 World Series MVP after helping the Milwaukee Brewers secure the first championship in franchise history. The All-Star catcher contributed offensively and defensively throughout the five-game series, earning the award ahead of several teammates who also delivered strong performances.

Contreras finished the series with eight hits in 21 at-bats, a .381 batting average, and four runs batted in. He struck out just once. His contributions extended beyond his hitting: Behind the plate, he succeeded on 10 of 14 ABS challenges and threw out four of nine runners attempting to steal.

His production began early in the series. Contreras recorded at least two hits in each of the first three games, becoming the 27th player in World Series history to accomplish that feat. He collected three hits in Game 3. In the opener, he paired a two-hit performance with two runners caught stealing, contributing on both sides of the ball.

Speaking through an interpreter after Game 5, Contreras struggled to describe his reaction to the championship. "I don't have words to say for how I'm feeling," he said. He expressed gratitude to his teammates and manager Pat Murphy, adding: "I want to thank all of them."

Brewers reliever Aaron Ashby credited Contreras with helping define the team through his desire to compete. "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."

Ashby was among Milwaukee's other standout performers, pitching five and two-thirds scoreless innings during the series. Jackson Chourio batted .458, collecting 11 hits in 24 at-bats. Rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt also made a strong contribution, going eight for 19 for a .421 average. Across Games 4 and 5, Pratt put together a stretch of hits in four consecutive at-bats.

Milwaukee acquired Contreras in December 2022 through the three-team Sean Murphy trade involving the Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics. Since joining the Brewers, Contreras has made two All-Star appearances. The World Series MVP award adds another distinction to his time with Milwaukee, alongside the franchise's first title.

Contreras is the first catcher to receive World Series MVP honors since Salvador Perez won the award with the Kansas City Royals in 2015.