Brandon Woodruff – Milwaukee Brewers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Brandon Woodruff has become one of Major League Baseball’s most reliable starting pitchers—well, when he’s healthy, anyway.

The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander has shown a level of consistency on the mound that’s tough to ignore, earning two All-Star selections so far.

Though injuries have been a problem lately, Woodruff locked in his future by signing a two-year contract worth $17.5 million with the Brewers in February 2024.

That deal even includes a mutual option for 2026, which says a lot about the Brewers’ faith in him.

Throughout his MLB career, Woodruff has built a net worth estimated at $24.8 million and established himself as a frontline starter when he’s available.

He hasn’t had it easy—shoulder surgery knocked him out for a big chunk of time.

What really stands out is how the Brewers bet on his recovery, offering him that contract while he was still working his way back.

The financial structure of Woodruff’s latest deal shows just how complicated MLB contracts can get these days.

Over half the money is deferred in this agreement.

His annual salary shot up compared to his earlier years, especially since his previous one-year deal in 2023 was worth $10.8 million before the injury.

That kind of jump really reflects the market value for a pitcher of his caliber in today’s game.

Early Life and Background

Brandon Kyle Woodruff started his journey to Major League Baseball in the small town of Wheeler, Mississippi.

From a young age, his natural talent and strong work ethic were obvious.

Growing up in rural Mississippi gave him the grit and determination that define his game today.

Family and Childhood

Brandon Woodruff was born on February 10, 1993, in Tupelo, Mississippi.

He grew up in Wheeler, a tiny community in Prentiss County.

Family values and the outdoors were a big part of his childhood.

His parents noticed his athletic abilities early on and encouraged his baseball dreams.

Woodruff didn’t just stick to baseball—he picked up fishing, golf, and hunting as hobbies, and he still enjoys those in the off-season.

Those country roots run deep.

His nicknames “Woody” and “Big Woo” stuck with him from those early days and followed him into the big leagues.

Education and Amateur Baseball

He attended Wheeler High School, where he quickly became a standout as both a pitcher and an outfielder.

Woodruff dominated local competition, and college scouts definitely took notice.

His high school success earned him a scholarship to Mississippi State University.

That’s a school with a pretty serious baseball tradition in the SEC.

At Mississippi State, he kept working on his pitching against some of the best college hitters around.

He faced ups and downs during his college career, but those experiences prepared him for pro ball.

His time with the Bulldogs helped him sharpen his fastball and improve his off-speed pitches.

Path to the MLB

The Milwaukee Brewers picked Woodruff in the 11th round (326th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft.

That draft pick kicked off his climb through the minor leagues.

He moved up steadily in the Brewers’ system, pitching for teams all over the country and working on his craft.

Injuries got in his way at times, slowing things down.

By 2017, he finally got his first call-up and made his MLB debut on August 4.

That debut marked the payoff for years of hard work, taking him from small-town Mississippi to the majors.

Professional Career Overview

Brandon Woodruff has become one of the Milwaukee Brewers’ most dependable starting pitchers since he reached the big leagues.

His path through pro baseball shows how he went from promising prospect to two-time All-Star.

MLB Debut and Initial Seasons

Woodruff made his MLB debut with the Brewers on August 4, 2017.

Coming out of Mississippi State, the Brewers had selected him in the 11th round (pick #326) of the 2014 draft.

His early outings gave a glimpse of the pitcher he’d become.

In his rookie year, he pitched in 8 games, starting 4, and posted a 4.81 ERA.

That first taste of the majors showed Brewers management his potential.

In 2018, Woodruff bounced between starting and relieving as he tried to find his spot on the roster.

That flexibility helped the Brewers during their playoff run.

His fastball—high-90s with some late movement—stood out right away.

Those first few seasons were all about development, as he worked on his secondary pitches.

Milwaukee Brewers Years

Woodruff has shown steady improvement with the Brewers, taking on a bigger role in the rotation each year.

By 2019, he locked down a spot as a key starter and made his first All-Star team.

“Woody” built a reputation for his fastball-slider combo, which regularly fooled hitters.

He also added a changeup, giving him another weapon.

In January 2023, Woodruff signed a one-year, $10.8 million contract with Milwaukee, avoiding arbitration.

That deal really reflected his rising value to the team.

He followed it up with a two-year, $17.5 million contract, keeping him in Milwaukee through at least 2025.

That new deal averages $8.75 million per year.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Woodruff has delivered some memorable performances that highlight his talent.

In 2019, he made his first All-Star team after a dominant start to the season.

He became known for holding his velocity deep into games, often hitting 97-98 mph even in later innings.

That’s not something you see every day from a starter.

In the 2018 NLCS, he hit a home run off Clayton Kershaw—one of those rare moments for a pitcher in the postseason.

In 2021, Woodruff reached 200 strikeouts for the first time, showing just how much he’d grown as a power pitcher.

His reputation as one of the best strikeout guys in the NL Central really took off that year.

His stats back it up—strong strikeout-to-walk ratios and low WHIP numbers have become his trademark.

Playoff Appearances

Woodruff has stepped up in the playoffs for the Brewers.

His postseason journey started with a bang in 2018 when Milwaukee faced the Dodgers in the NLCS.

During those playoffs, he came through with several big performances, including that unforgettable home run off Kershaw.

His ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations impressed everyone around him.

In later playoff runs, manager Craig Counsell often chose Woodruff for the most crucial games.

That trust says a lot about his value to the team.

In October, Woodruff usually goes after hitters even more aggressively.

His fastball seems to find another gear in the postseason.

That ability to keep his mechanics and command under pressure has made him a real asset for Milwaukee in the playoffs.

Those experiences have helped him grow into one of the NL Central’s top starters.

Career Stats and Achievements

Brandon Woodruff has become one of the Brewers’ most reliable starters since his MLB debut.

His fastball and command have earned him strong stats and plenty of respect around the league.

Pitching Statistics Overview

Woodruff has put up impressive numbers as a right-handed starter for Milwaukee.

Since 2019, when he became a full-time starter, he has consistently performed at a high level.

In 2019, he finished with an 11-3 record, a 3.62 ERA, and 143 strikeouts in just 121⅔ innings.

That year really established him as a top guy in the Brewers’ rotation.

His career stats show excellent control and an ability to keep runners off base.

Woodruff usually keeps his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) under 1.20, ranking him among the league’s better pitchers.

He also does a great job keeping the ball in the park, which is huge in today’s homer-happy game.

That knack for limiting home runs has played a big part in his success.

All-Star Selections

Woodruff’s work on the mound hasn’t gone unnoticed.

He’s made the All-Star team, representing the Brewers at the midsummer classic.

His first selection came after his breakout 2019 season.

That honor really validated all the work he’d put in to go from prospect to legit big-league starter.

When healthy, Woodruff has pitched at an elite level and earned his spot among the game’s best.

His All-Star nods also show just how important he’s become to the Brewers’ pitching staff.

Awards and Honors

Besides All-Star appearances, Woodruff has picked up other honors that show his impact.

He’s gotten votes for league awards in seasons when he’s been at his best.

Even if he hasn’t always won, just being in the conversation says a lot.

It’s pretty wild to think he was a 11th-round pick in 2014.

His rise to the top is impressive, considering where he started.

The Brewers clearly value him—they signed him to a two-year, $17.5 million contract, betting on his continued success.

Contract Details and Transactions

Brandon Woodruff’s time in MLB has included some big contract moments with the Brewers.

Those deals reflect his value as a top-tier starter.

He went from rookie contracts to multi-million dollar deals as he proved himself in the league.

Initial MLB Contracts

Woodruff started his big-league career with standard pre-arbitration contracts after debuting in 2017.

In those early years, he earned close to the league minimum—pretty standard for young players.

As he developed into one of the Brewers’ most reliable starters, his value shot up.

Two All-Star selections (2019 and 2021) helped him earn more significant contracts as he moved into his arbitration years.

His first real pay bump came during arbitration, when his salary started to match his impact in the rotation.

Recent Contract Status

In 2023, Woodruff signed a one-year deal worth $10.8 million with the Brewers. That contract marked a big jump from his previous pay and really showed how much the team valued him as a pitcher.

After the 2023 season, even with injury concerns hanging over him, the Brewers doubled down on their support for Woodruff. In February 2024, he re-signed with Milwaukee on a two-year contract worth $17.5 million.

That deal runs through the 2025 season. What stands out here is that over half of the money is deferred, which shows both sides were willing to compromise.

For 2024, Woodruff is taking home $2.5 million, a lower figure that makes sense given his injury recovery.

Options and Free Agency

The two-year contract Woodruff signed in 2024 includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. So, both he and the Brewers have some flexibility down the line.

If neither side picks up the option, Woodruff hits free agency after 2025. He’ll be 33 then, possibly hoping for one more big contract.

General manager Matt Arnold, who took over from David Stearns, has put a lot of faith in Woodruff despite his injuries. Honestly, that says a lot about how much they believe he can bounce back.

His next contract will probably depend on how he performs after recovery and whether he can stay healthy through this deal.

Net Worth and Financial Insights

Brandon Woodruff has built up some real wealth from his career with the Brewers. He’s got his MLB contracts, maybe some endorsements, and possibly a few other income sources.

Earnings from MLB Contracts

Most of Woodruff’s money comes straight from his MLB salary. Right now, he earns $10,800,000 per year with the Brewers.

His career earnings have climbed steadily as he proved himself as a reliable starter. In 2023, Woodruff signed a two-year contract worth $17.5 million with Milwaukee, which averages out to $8.75 million a year.

But for 2024, he’s reportedly making $2.5 million, so it looks like a chunk of that contract is deferred.

Before this, he went through salary arbitration, which helped bump up his earnings as he kept delivering solid performances. That’s a pretty standard path for pitchers who stick around and keep performing.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Details about Woodruff’s endorsement deals aren’t really out there, which isn’t too surprising. Still, pitchers at his level usually land some sponsorships.

Stuff like equipment deals with glove or cleat companies, maybe a few local endorsements in Milwaukee, and sometimes even national brands. Players like him often show up in ads for baseball gear or sports nutrition companies.

The value of these deals depends on market size, how well he’s playing, and how well-known he is. Since he’s a two-time All-Star, he probably has better offers now than he did earlier in his career.

Estimates of Net Worth

Brandon Woodruff’s total net worth is estimated at $24,838,123 by some sources, while others put it closer to $8 million as of 2023. That’s a pretty wide range, probably because of different ways of counting things or when they checked.

Most of his net worth comes from his baseball contracts, which add up to about $25 million so far. Of course, those numbers don’t include taxes, agent fees (usually 3-5%), or personal spending.

If he bounces back from injury and keeps pitching well, he could easily boost his financial standing even more. Honestly, a lot of MLB pitchers hit their highest-earning years in their early 30s.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activity

When he’s not on the mound, Brandon Woodruff tries to keep things balanced—family, community work, and strong relationships with teammates all matter to him.

Family and Relationships

Brandon’s married to Jonie Woodruff. The two welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kyler Elise, in September 2021.

That happened during a pretty important season for him with the Brewers. Family has always played a big role in Woodruff’s life, especially after he lost his older brother, Blake, in 2016 to an ATV accident.

That loss came just before he made his MLB debut, and he’s talked about pitching in his brother’s memory more than once. “My brother was my biggest fan. Everything I do on that mound is for him,” Woodruff has said in interviews.

Even with the demands of his $10.8 million contract, he makes time for family during the offseason, heading back to Mississippi whenever he can.

Community Involvement

Woodruff has become a real presence in the Milwaukee community, getting involved with a bunch of charitable efforts. He’s especially active with the Brewers Community Foundation, focusing on kids’ health and education.

After his own family tragedy, he started the “Woodruff Warriors” program, which gives game tickets and special experiences to families who’ve lost loved ones.

During the pandemic, he joined virtual hospital visits when in-person ones weren’t possible, trying to bring a little happiness to young patients.

When injuries kept him off the field—like what happened with Colin Rea—Woodruff used his downtime to show up at local schools and youth clinics.

The Brewers nominated him for their “Heart and Hustle” award in 2022, recognizing his passion for baseball and his work in the community.

Interactions with Teammates

People in the clubhouse see Woodruff as a leader. He’s built real connections with both pitchers and position players.

He’s especially helped the younger arms in the Brewers rotation. Honestly, his mentorship seems to matter a lot.

Woodruff and catcher William Contreras have built a pretty impressive pitcher-catcher rapport. Contreras even credits Woodruff for teaching him the details of game management.

“Brandon taught me how to think three batters ahead. His preparation is something I try to model,” Contreras said during spring training.

While Woodruff rehabbed his injury, he still hung around the dugout. He’d offer tips to teammates, especially when they faced tough opponents like the Pirates and Marlins.

He’s got this competitive streak, but he still shares what he knows. People respect that, not just in Milwaukee, but across MLB.