The Milwaukee Brewers are investing in the future.
Per recent reports, they are about to secure the signature of young prospect Jackson Chourio on an eight-year deal worth something in the neighborhood of $80 million.
There are, in addition, two club options with an unspecified value.
It’s a risk on both sides, but the reward for them is also easy to see.
The Brewers are giving $80 million to a player who hasn’t even sniffed MLB yet, which is a risk because prospects don’t always pan out.
However, Chourio could be leaving a lot of money on the table if he develops into the player that scouts are convinced he will be.
Breaking: Top CF prospect Jackson Chourio, 19, and the Brewers are expected to complete today the richest contract ever for a player who has yet to reach the big leagues. The deal is expected to be for 8 guaranteed years snd close to $80M and include two team options.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 30, 2023
Fans reacted to the news.
Some people pointed out that the Brewers are doing the same thing the Atlanta Braves have done over the years with their young players.
Brewers following the Braves model, but he's not proven yet
— Doug Ziefel (@DougZiefel) November 30, 2023
The Braves have extended Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and many other prospects with limited experience.
The caveat here is that Chourio’s deal is a record for players with no MLB experience.
The Brewers could be saving millions if Chourio pans out, but it’s also a risk for them.
Definitely a risk considering the track record of other players that signed these deals. Only Luis Robert and Eloy Jiménez have worked out. Evan White, Scott Kingery and Jon Singleton did not.
— BballFansofAmerica (@BballFansofAmer) November 30, 2023
The player just hit 22 home runs and stole 43 bases in Double-A in 2023.
Since July 6, he hit .325/.380/.551 with a 144 wRC+.
He is powerful, speedy, athletic, and can make adjustments on the go.
He has the makings of a future star, and both parties are gambling on that.
If the Brewers pick up his two options, he will re-enter the market at 30 years old, looking for a big payday.
I love locking players up early. It’s great for players (security early on and guaranteeing yourself set for life no matter what) and great for the team (it’s risky as we’ve seen, but it also can provide bargains if that player hits their potential). Congrats to both sides.
— mårk (@uebe__5) November 30, 2023
All things considered, the Brewers made a small gamble and Chourio secured his financial future.
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