In a groundbreaking move, the Milwaukee Brewers have struck an unprecedented eight-year, $82 million contract with 19-year-old center fielder, Jackson Chourio. This deal, which includes two club options and potential escalators, has the potential to soar to a staggering $142.5 million. With this agreement, Chourio has secured more money than any player in history before even making his major league debut.
Hailing from Venezuela, Chourio joined the Brewers as a 16-year-old prospect in 2021. Throughout 2023, he displayed his immense potential while playing at the Double-A level, boasting an impressive batting average of .280/.336/.467. To add to his impressive performance, Chourio managed to launch 22 home runs, positioning himself as the third-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to ESPN.
It is important to note that pre-debut long-term contracts are extremely rare. In fact, only five players before Chourio have signed such deals. However, what sets Chourio apart is his age. While the previous players were in their early twenties, Chourio, at the tender age of 19, has already made history with his record-breaking contract.
The inclusion of two club options in Chourio’s contract means that he has the potential to hit free agency at the young age of 29. This grants him the opportunity to explore other possibilities and potentially secure an even more lucrative deal. The confidence and trust placed in Chourio by the Milwaukee Brewers is a testament to his extraordinary talent and potential as a future star in the league.
The signing of this groundbreaking contract significantly raises the likelihood of Chourio earning a spot on the Brewers’ starting lineup for the upcoming season. This is particularly noteworthy for the Brewers, a small-market team, as it illustrates their commitment to investing in young talent. With their payroll only finishing in the upper half of Major League Baseball back in 2012, this deal demonstrates their determination to secure and nurture exceptional players like Chourio.
From a strategic perspective, the Brewers may have been tempted to keep Chourio at Triple-A to delay his eventual free agency by a year. However, with the signing of this historic contract, there is immense pressure on the team to showcase Chourio’s talents at the major league level. The Brewers now have an opportunity to capitalize on the young center fielder’s abilities and potentially secure a successful season.
Even if Chourio were to start the season in the minor leagues, he would have the potential to gain a full year of service by finishing high in the Rookie of the Year voting. This places him in a strong position to make his mark and potentially propel the Brewers to success. The future is undoubtedly bright for both Chourio and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jackson Chourio’s historic eight-year, $82 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 19 years old, he has defied expectations and secured a record-breaking deal before even stepping foot in the major leagues. Chourio’s remarkable talent and potential have undoubtedly caught the attention of the baseball world, and all eyes will be on him as he embarks on his journey towards becoming a true baseball legend.
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