After weeks of speculation and initial reports, the Milwaukee Brewers have officially signed their top prospect to a record-breaking extension, providing details on the direction of their future during an official press event today.
An Unprecedented Commitment
The Brewers and outfielder Jackson Chourio, MLB’s number-two prospect overall, have formally agreed on an eight-year, $82 million extension that will keep the outfielder on the team until at least 2031. The agreement includes club options for 2032 and 2033 and could reportedly pay Chourio as much as $142.5 million with escalators.
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In a press release issued today and an official media event introducing the extension, the Brewers have confirmed that their future will be built around Chourio.
“Jackson has proven to be one of the elite young prospects in all of baseball,” said Brewers General Manager Matt Arnold, per the release. “We are extremely excited to make this unprecedented commitment to a player we believe to be a generational talent who has all the tools to be the face of our franchise. We are thrilled to have Jackson in a Brewers uniform for many years to come.”
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Chourio has enjoyed a rapid ascent to the major league level, earning accolades and slashing .286/.347/.490 in just three minor league seasons. His extension is the largest ever for a player with no major league service time — a major bet on unrealized potential that has not traditionally worked out for franchises.
Outlook For Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day 2024
Scouts are adamant that Chourio has the makings of a franchise star, and the Brewers seem prepared to give him that shot as he turns 20 years old just a month before next season starts. With hopes that he will earn a spot on their Opening Day roster, the general manager is indicating the direction of the franchise for 2024 and beyond.
“Nothing guaranteed, but he’ll have every opportunity to make our Opening Day team,” Arnold said in a press event today.
The long-term commitment to Chourio and hopes that he can begin to make good on it as soon as Opening Day add to increasing evidence that the Brewers are looking to build on last season’s playoff berth and compete deep into the postseason next year.
All options seem to be on the table during Winter Meetings this week, but recent reports indicate the Brewers are looking to bring back starting pitcher Wade Miley, a move that would suggest they value the 37-year-old’s remaining productivity. They are also reportedly bringing in veteran pitcher Joe Ross in a similar indicator of their expectations for 2024.
Conflicting reports have swirled, but they could very well choose to hold two of their biggest trade assets in Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames. The team’s decision there will be as telling as anything about the focus for 2024 and the Brewers’ direction.
As Winter Meetings continue this week, Brewers fans will be keeping an eye on additions made with a focus on next season as well as those that will build around Chourio well into the future.
