The Milwaukee Brewers are off to a 6-2 start after one of the most interesting offseasons in recent memory. Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Joey Ortiz and DL Hall while former manager Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, Brandon Woodruff was non-tendered and then re-signed following a shoulder injury that will keep him out for the entire year.
On the bright side, the Brewers signed first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a three-year deal (one year guaranteed with two player options). They also signed designated hitter and backup catcher Gary Sanchez to a one-year deal. Unfortunately, neither player has really lived up to expectations so far, though the team has played just eight out of 162 games.
The Milwaukee Brewers Signed Star Prospect Jackson Chourio to a Massive Deal Prior to the Start of the Season
Perhaps the most significant move of the offseason, at least for the long-term future of the franchise, was the decision to give Jackson Chourio a record-setting eight-year $82 million contract. In addition to the guaranteed years, Milwaukee also tacked on $25 million team options for 2032 and 233. In other words, Chourio’s contract could end up being a 10-year deal worth $132 million.
The investment in their top prospect (who is also the second overall rated prospect in all of MLB) meant that Milwaukee was planning on Chourio contributing to the Major League club in 2024, despite his playing just six games above Double-A.
Rather than having Chourio start the season at Triple-A, the Brewers added him to the Opening Day roster. Not only that, he was given the start in right field on Opening Day. His start in their first game was not just a one-time thing either. He has appeared in each of the Brewers’ first eight games.
Jackson Chourio Through Eight Games with the Milwaukee Brewers
So far this season (eight games), Chourio is hitting .281/.324/.500 with two home runs and seven RBI. He has also stolen one base.
Perhaps most promisingly, Chourio has nine hits, totally more than the amount of games he has played. In fact, he has gone hitless just once since Opening Day.
Defensively, Chourio has played flawlessly in right field thus far. Despite not being a right fielder by trade, he has a perfect fielding percentage and 20 putouts. He also has two defensive runs saved.
One MLB Analyst Warns Fans Not to Jump on the Jackson Chourio Hype Train
Despite his fast start to his rookie season, one MLB analyst is not ready to call him a success. In fact, he urges fans to avoid jumping on the Chourio hype train.
In an article on Bleacher Report in which he explains why he is buying the Milwaukee Brewers as a surprise contender, analyst Zachary Rymer writes of Chourio:
“Let’s also pump the brakes on the Chourio hype train. Because while his power and speed have been as advertised, he’s also struck out 10 times and walked twice in 34 plate appearances.”
It is a fair criticism of the young rookie, who at this pace would strike out over 200 times on his current trajectory. However, it is worth noting that Chourio is just 20 years old. There will be growing pains. But there will also be growth.
The fact of the matter is that he is far from a finished product. He just happens to be an extremely talented 20-year old that has the potential to be one of the best players in franchise history.
He may not be an All-Star in year one, but those years are coming.
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