Brewers Secure Future with Record Extension for Top Prospect 

In a game-changing move, the Milwaukee Brewers have committed to their top minor league prospect, outfielder Jackson Chourio, with a historic contract extension. The 8-year, $80 million deal includes two team options, potentially extending the contract to 10 years.

Chourio, a five-tool outfielder and consensus top-two prospect in baseball, is compared to stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Vlad Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodríguez, and Juan Soto. His new deal surpasses the previous record for pre-MLB debut contracts, which was held by Luis Robert at six years and $50 million.

During the 2023 season, Chourio played primarily for Double-A Biloxi, where he hit .280/.336/.437 with 23 doubles, 22 home runs, and 43 stolen bases. His performance improved significantly after a switch from pre-tacked baseballs, showcasing a .323/.380/.544 average in the latter part of the season.

Chourio also made notable progress by reducing his strikeout rate from 118 in 400 at-bats the previous year to 104 in 531 at-bats this season. Despite lacking Triple-A experience, this extension all but guarantees Chourio a spot on the Brewers’ Opening Day roster in 2024 and secures his future with the team.

This move ensures that Chourio will remain with the Brewers long-term, avoiding potential trade scenarios or rising costs. It also provides cost-certainty for the team, similar to the strategies used by other successful teams like the Braves with Acuña and the Mariners with Rodríguez.

For Chourio, this extension offers financial security early in his career and accelerates his path to the majors, avoiding service time manipulation and trade rumors. It also sets him up for another significant contract if he performs well.

Chourio’s arrival means he will need substantial playing time in a crowded outfield, which might lead to trades involving other top outfield prospects like Joey Wiemer, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick.

Chourio joins a list of young Brewers players who have signed early career extensions, including Ryan Braun, Freddy Peralta, and Aaron Ashby, making him the earliest to sign such a deal.