The Milwaukee Brewers have awarded an $80 million contract to one of their top prospects, despite the fact that he has yet to play in a professional game.
According to a report from MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Brewers have finalized an eight-year, $80 million deal for 19-year-old centerfielder and prospect Jackson Chourio, which also includes a pair of team options.
Heyman pointed out that this contract surpasses the previous record for a minor leaguer by a significant margin. The previous record contract for a minor league player was signed by Luis Robert with the Chicago White Sox for $50 million back in 2020.
The Brewers’ decision to award Chourio with such a substantial deal has surprised many, considering that they are a small market team that rarely offers lucrative contracts. This move demonstrates the organization’s strong belief in Chourio, who will turn 20 next March.
The Brewers signed Chourio in Jan. 2021, two months before his 17th birthday. MLB.com ranks him as the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball, behind only Baltimore Orioles infielder prospect Jackson Holliday.
Milwaukee is coming off a 92-win season that saw the franchise secure its second NL Central division title in three years. However, their hopes of a World Series victory came to an end when they were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card Round.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell left the organization to take the managerial position with the Chicago Cubs. Bench coach Pat Murphy was promoted to manager following Counsell’s departure.
