The six major associations released their list of 12 players to be offered contracts for the 2009-10 season yesterday.
There were few surprises on the Otago list, as all but one of the names had appeared before.
Stalwarts Craig Cumming, Nathan McCullum, Warren McSkimming and James McMillan return, as do Greg Todd, Derek de Boorder and Mathew Harvie.
Leighton Morgan's ability to open the batting in four-day cricket saw him get the nod over promising left-hander Hamish Rutherford, and Shaun Haig returns as a contracted player after missing out last summer. He produced some solid numbers for Otago in four-day cricket and can take the gloves at a pinch.
Aaron Redmond was contracted to New Zealand Cricket last summer but returns to the Otago fold, while Brendon McCullum, Neil Broom and Ian Butler all have national contracts.
Left-arm spinner Nick Beard is the only new face. The 19-year-old impressed in his debut, despite taking just one for 133.
McCullum is the province's leading offspinner but having a left-armer in the mix strengthens the squad, Bracewell said.
"Having two spinners in your squad is pretty important and Nick is an investment in the future. We see him as a young guy who should play a lot of four-day cricket and also play a little one-day cricket."
While Beard's summer job is secure, Rutherford narrowly missed out on a contract and could count himself unlucky, Bracewell said.
"I'm very pleased with what we've ended up with. There weren't many tough decisions. The list, more or less, sorted itself out.
"But Hamish is a very promising player. He is going to the Champions League and just has to take every chance he gets."
Otago has three New Zealand contracted players this season - up from two the previous summer - and Bracewell felt it was unlucky not to have another one or two.
Left-arm seamer Craig Smith was omitted after a back injury hampered his season.
Under the provincial contract system the six major associations rank their top 16 players in both limited-overs cricket and four-day cricket, with the top 12 offered contracts. The salaries range from $36,500 to $19,500.
Auckland has lost three experienced players, with Chris Martin and Rob Nicol defecting to Canterbury and Andy McKay to Wellington.
Northern Districts player Cameron Merchant has also joined Wellington.
Central Districts has contracted Jamie How and Michael Mason after they missed out on national contracts, and New Zealand Under-19 player Doug Bracewell and emerging players George Worker and Brad Patton replace the likes of Grey Hay and Tim Lythe.
Peter Fulton returns to Canterbury after his national contract was not renewed, and left-arm spinner Jason Donnelly joins after spending last year a contracted rookie in South Australia.
Otago cricket- Contracted players
• Craig Cumming, Nathan McCullum, Warren McSkimming, Neil Wagner, Aaron Redmond, Greg Todd, James McMillan, Derek de Boorder, Mathew Harvie, Shaun Haig, Leighton Morgan, Nick Beard.
• Otago cricketers contracted to New Zealand cricket: Brendon McCullum, Neil Broom, Ian Butler.
