Jackson Chourio Signed Highest 8-Year Contract For $82 Million
Over ten seasons, Chourio's deal may be worth $130 million
Jackson Chourio signed the kind of deal that athletes dream about for years before even taking a pitch in the major leagues.
The Milwaukee Brewers finalized an eight-year, $82 million contract on Monday, the highest assured sum for a player without major league experience. “I’m absolutely going to fulfil the expectations,” the 19-year-old outfielder said.
“I’m simply going to work incredibly hard, but there’s obviously some pressure. “I won’t change because of this money. If anything does change, it will undoubtedly be for the better.”
Chourio remarked via interpreter.
Over ten seasons, Chourio’s deal may be worth $130 million. In addition to his $2 million signing bonus, he will be paid $2 million in 2024, $4 million in 2025, $7 million in 2026, $8 million in 2027, $9 million in 2028, $15 million in 2029, $16 million in 2030, and $17 million in 2031. With a $2 million buyout for each, Milwaukee has $25 million options for 2031 and ’32. In accordance with MVP voting, he has escalators for the next three years.
In order to keep left-hander Wade Miley, Milwaukee also agreed to a one-year contract for $8.5 million. The pact has a mutual option through 2025 and has the potential to be worth $24 million over two seasons. Miley will get a salary of $7 million this year, with a $12 million option that includes a $1.5 million payout.
His annual performance bonuses may total $2.5 million: $250,000 for innings 50 and 75, $500,000 for innings 100 and 125, and $750,000 for innings 125. In the event of a trade, he would get a one-time $1 million assignment bonus in addition to his 10-team limited no-trade clause.
Chourio has only participated in six Double-A games. Prior to debuting on July 24, 2020, outfielder Luis Robert Jr. signed a $50 million, six-year deal with the Chicago White Sox on January 2, 2020. That deal was the most ever for a player without major league experience, excluding Japanese pros.
In the top leagues, Jackson Chourio may make his debut in 2024. He and his probable first two seasons following free agency are covered by the pact for the duration of his eligibility for arbitration.
Brewer’s general manager Matt Arnold stated,
“It isn’t only our concern. In addition, it’s about him safeguarding his future and forming a partnership with someone truly exceptional. Therefore, it’s a wonderful day for all parties concerned when you have an agreement like that.”
Since Craig Counsell resigned to take over as manager of the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee is beginning their first season under manager Pat Murphy. At his press conference, Murphy saw that Chourio was sporting a No. 11 jersey.
“To me, you’re number 94, as I told him today.” He has consistently worn the 94th number on it. If you desire that No. 11, you must merit it. He can gaze at that No. 11 every day if he so chooses, but he will wear 94 until he earns the right to do so. I will display it in my office.”
Pat Murphy
Chourio is considered one of the best prospects in baseball. He doesn’t turn 20 until March 11th, but in the Brewers’ farm system, he’s progressed quickly enough that late in the season, and he played six games for Triple-A Nashville.
Being chosen twice for minor league player of the year makes him the only player in Brewers history to accomplish this feat. In January of 2021, Jackson Chourio, a 16-year-old Venezuelan native, signed up for a $1.8 million bonus.
He batted .283 with a .338 on-base percentage, 22 homers, 91 RBIs and 44 steals in 128 combined games with Double-A Biloxi and Triple-A Nashville in 2023. He hit .288 with a .342 on-base percentage, 20 homers, 75 RBIs and 16 steals in 99 combined games with Class A Carolina and Wisconsin, and Biloxi in 2022.
Jaison, his 18-year-old brother, played for the Arizona Complex League Guardians and Class A Lynchburg, hitting.321 with one home run, 25 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases before signing a $1.2 million bonus deal with Cleveland in January 2022.
