Momentum is building toward a record contract extension between the Milwaukee Brewers and top prospect Jackson Chourio who progresses towards the finish line.
Contract negotiations, sources told the Journal Sentinel, began in earnest at the end of the minor league regular season, when members of the Brewers front office broached the subject with Chourio.
Discussions did not result in an agreement before the end of the season, preventing Chourio from being included in the team’s end-of-season campaign at the big league level, but significant progress was made . Industry staff as recently as Tuesday evening were expressing optimism that a deal was close to being reached, even if it was not yet completely finalized, according to reports. league sources.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal first reported Tuesday that the two sides were discussing a deal.
Chourio has only played six games above the Class AA level, but is close to a deal that would make him the highest-paid player of all time with no major league experience.
Contract extension negotiations can be a tricky process, especially involving young players with little or no MLB experience. Players enjoy immense financial security upfront, but also risk sacrificing potential winnings later if they reach their potential. Teams also assume risk by offering guaranteed future money and likely need to be able to “buy out” a player’s first two free agent seasons without having to pay what could be an exorbitant market rate at ‘future.
Due to the give and take between the parties, a deal is likely within approximately eight years, perhaps around $80 million, with the possibility of options and incentives that could increase the dollar amount.
Chourio, who signed as an amateur in Venezuela in 2021 and received a $1.8 million signing bonus, rose through the ranks as a minor leaguer in the Brewers system to become one of two of baseball’s most highly regarded prospects, along with Baltimore’s Jackson. Vacation.
He won the Brewers Minor League Player of the Year award each of the last two seasons and overall hit .286/.347/.490 in the minor leagues.
Chourio won’t turn 20 until March, at which point he would likely be on the Brewers’ opening day roster if he signs the extension; because his contract would be guaranteed and have no connection to service time, there would be little reason for Milwaukee to start him in Class AAA.
Only five players signed long-term contracts before their MLB debut. Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert’s six-year, $50 million contract currently sets the record for the largest amount of money given to a player with no MLB experience.
The Brewers held extension discussions with other top prospects over the past year before debuting in the majors, but never finalized such a deal.
Chourio, if in the majors, would join a crowded outfield group that includes Christian Yelich and youngsters Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell and Joey Wiemer, as well as Tyrone Taylor and Blake Perkins. This depth could open up a variety of possibilities for the Brewers front office to potentially make a decision on pitching or infield help if the right deal presents itself.
