Brewers sign Chase Anderson to two-year contract

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Chase Anderson to a two-year contract through the 2019 season with club options for 2020 and 2021. The announcement was made by General Manager David Stearns.

“Signing Chase to a multi-year contract furthers our strategy to acquire, develop and retain talent throughout our organization,” said Stearns.“Chase’s 2017 performance elevated his stature in the game and demonstrated that he has the capability to lead a rotation. Since he arrived in Milwaukee, Chase has been a model contributor to our community both on and off the field. We are happy for him and his family and look forward to Chase’s contributions for years to come.”

According to the AP, Anderson's contract is $11.75 million for the two years. The deal also includes a pair of club options and could be worth $31.85 million over four seasons.

Anderson gets a $1 million signing bonus, payable within 45 days, and salaries of $4.25 million next year and $6 million in 2019. Milwaukee has an $8.5 million for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout, and if that is exercised the Brewers have a $9.5 million option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout.

Anderson can earn $400,000 annually in performance bonuses based on innings: $50,000 for 162, $150,000 more for 180 and $200,000 more for 200.

His 2021 base salary would escalate to $10.5 million if he pitches 500 innings or more from 2018-20, throws at least 150 innings in 2020, does not finish 2020 on the disabled list and then passes a club physical at the end of the season.

Anderson would get a one-time $350,000 assignment bonus if traded.

Anderson, 29, who was eligible for arbitration, went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts for the Brewers in 2017. He set career highs for wins and strikeouts (133) and tied his career high with 13 quality starts. Anderson has gone 17-5 with a 2.69 ERA over his last 37 starts dating back to July 25, 2016. His ERA since that date ranks fourth in the Major Leagues among starting pitchers (minimum 35 starts).

Anderson was acquired from Arizona as part of a five-player trade on January 30, 2016. He owns a career record of 36-28 with a 3.87 ERAin 104 games (103 starts) with Arizona (2014-15) and Milwaukee (2016-current). He is 21-15 with a 3.59 ERA in 56 games (55 starts) as a Brewer.