50 Facts About Jackson Chourio

Early Life and Background

Jackson Bryan Chourio's journey to becoming a professional baseball player began in Venezuela. His early years set the foundation for his promising career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Jackson Bryan Chourio was born on March 11, 2004, in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
2. Professional Baseball Career: Chourio is a professional baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.
3. Debut: He made his MLB debut on March 29, 2024.

Signing with the Milwaukee Brewers

Chourio's entry into professional baseball started with a significant signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the beginning of his journey in the MLB.

4. Signing with the Brewers: Chourio signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an international free agent on January 15, 2021, with a $1.9 million signing bonus.
5. Minor League Debut: He made his professional debut that same year with the Dominican Summer League Brewers.
6. Early Performance: In his first professional season, Chourio slashed .296/.386/.447 in 45 games, with five home runs and 25 RBIs.

Climbing the Ranks in the Minor Leagues

Chourio's performance in the minor leagues showcased his potential and earned him several promotions.

7. Promotion to Single-A: For the 2022 season, Chourio began with the Single-A Carolina Mudcats, where he batted .324 (5th in the league)/.373/.600(3rd) in 250 at bats, with 23 doubles (8th), 12 home runs (9th), and 10 stolen bases.
8. High-A Wisconsin: He then played for the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, batting .252/.317/.488 in 127 at bats with eight home runs.
9. Class AA Biloxi Shuckers: Chourio was promoted to the Class AA Biloxi Shuckers prior to the conclusion of the 2022 season.
10. Awards and Recognition: During his time with the Carolina Mudcats, Chourio was voted the Carolina League MVP and named to the Carolina League All-Star team.

Record-Setting Contract

Chourio's talent and potential led to a groundbreaking contract with the Brewers, even before making his MLB debut.

11. Record-Setting Contract: In December 2023, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Chourio to a record-setting, eight-year, $82 million contract before he made his MLB debut.
12. Contract Value: The deal, including escalators, bonuses, and club options for 2032 and ‘33, could be worth as much as $142.5 million.
13. Generational Talent: General Manager Matt Arnold described Chourio as a "generational talent" who has all the tools to be the face of the franchise.
14. Historic Signing: Chourio is just the sixth player in MLB history to sign a multi-year contract before making his big-league debut.

Scouting and Early Career

The Brewers had their eyes on Chourio from a young age, and his early career performances justified their interest.

15. Scouting History: The Brewers had been scouting Chourio since he was 12 years old and paid him $1.9 million to sign with the team.
16. Early Prospect Rankings: At the time of his signing, Chourio was ranked 18th among international prospects by MLBPipeline.com.
17. Dominican Summer League Performance: In his first professional season, Chourio lived up to the billing by slashing .296/.386/.447 with five home runs and 25 RBIs in 45 games.
18. Carolina Mudcats Performance: In 62 games with the Carolina Mudcats, Chourio put up even gaudier numbers (.324/.373/.600) with 12 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .973 OPS.
19. High-A Wisconsin Performance: After a 31-game stint at High-A Wisconsin, Chourio closed out his first full professional season with six games at Class AA Biloxi.
20. 2022 Season Summary: Chourio compiled a slash line of .280/.336/.476 with 22 home runs, 89 RBIs, and an .803 OPS in 122 games before finishing up the year with a stint in Triple-A Nashville.

Spring Training and Opening Day

Chourio's preparation for the 2024 season included significant adjustments and competition for a spot on the Brewers' roster.

21. Spring Training 2024: Chourio has been playing right field for most of spring training, which is not his normal position. He has played SS, 2B, CF, and RF in the minors.
22. Opening Day Roster: On March 19, 2024, it was announced that Chourio would make the Opening Day roster for the Brewers.
23. Outfield Competition: The Brewers outfield is young and talented, with Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick vying for spots. Christian Yelich may also see more time as a designated hitter.
24. Garrett Mitchell’s Injury History: Mitchell, a 2020 first-round draft pick, has been plagued by injuries, including a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the previous season.
25. Sal Frelick’s Versatility: Frelick has been used in various positions, including outfield and third base, and is expected to be on the Opening Day roster.

Key Players and Positions

The Brewers' lineup features a mix of young talent and established players, with Chourio playing a crucial role.

26. William Contreras and Catching Duties: Contreras will be behind the plate on Opening Day, having blossomed into one of the best catchers in baseball.
27. Rhys Hoskins and First Base: Hoskins is expected to start at first base after signing a two-year contract with the Brewers.
28. Brice Turang at Second Base: Turang will start at second base, having shown exceptional fielding skills but struggling at the plate in his first season.
29. Joey Ortiz and Third Base: Ortiz, acquired in the Corbin Burnes trade, is expected to start at third base and is seen as a strong fielder.
30. Jackson Chourio’s Position Adjustment: Chourio’s adjustment to right field will be closely watched, as he has played more games in center field in the minors.
31. Christian Yelich’s Role: Yelich will likely see more time as a designated hitter, allowing younger players like Chourio and Frelick to get more playing time.

Performance and Expectations

Chourio's performance in the 2023 season and his potential for the future have set high expectations for his career.

32. Brewers’ Lineup Potential: The Brewers’ lineup is loaded with potential, featuring young talent like Chourio, Mitchell, and Frelick, along with established players like Yelich and Contreras.
33. 2023 Season Performance: In his first 50 games, Chourio struggled, hitting .210/.254/.327 with five home runs and striking out in 27 percent of his plate appearances.
34. Mid-Season Turnaround: Since June 1, 2023, Chourio has hit .317/.377/.549 with 14 home runs and 13 stolen bases, compiling a .926 OPS that ranks 11th among qualified hitters.
35. WAR and fWAR: Chourio has accumulated 3.5 fWAR since June 1, tied for the 12th-best mark in the Majors during that period.
36. 20-20 Club: With his next home run, Chourio will join Mike Trout (2012) and Vada Pinson (1959) as the only players 20 years old or younger to reach the 20-20 milestone (20 home runs and 20 stolen bases).

Comparisons and Future Prospects

Chourio's rookie season has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in MLB history, highlighting his potential for future success.

37. Historic Rookie Season: Chourio’s first big league season puts him on a path toward greatness, with a chance to finish with at least 20 homers, a 110 OPS+, and 3 WAR.
38. Comparisons to Hall of Famers: Only six other rookies in MLB history have hit each of those thresholds in a season at age 20 or younger. Four are in the Hall of Fame (Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, and Orlando Cepeda), and two seem like locks to get there one day (Mike Trout and Bryce Harper).
39. Brewers’ Expectations: The Brewers are coming off a 93-win season and expect to remain competitive this year despite significant roster changes.
40. NL Central Champions: The Brewers were crowned NL Central champions in 2023 and aim to repeat that success in 2024.
41. Young Talent: The Brewers’ roster is filled with young talent, including Chourio, Mitchell, and Frelick, who are all ready to make a big jump in their careers.
42. Injury Concerns: Despite the young talent, injury concerns remain, particularly with players like Mitchell who have struggled with injuries in the past.
43. Brewers’ Depth Chart: The Brewers have a crowded outfield, but Chourio’s inclusion on the Opening Day roster suggests that he will be given every opportunity to succeed.
44. Pat Murphy’s Expectations: Manager Pat Murphy has expressed confidence in Chourio, stating that he will have every opportunity to make the Opening Day team.
45. Chourio’s Work Ethic: Chourio has emphasized his commitment to hard work, stating that he is working really hard to meet the expectations placed upon him.

Final Thoughts on Chourio's Future

Chourio's future looks bright, and his journey so far has been nothing short of impressive.

46. Service-Time Clock: With his future secured under a long-term contract, the Brewers don’t need to worry about Chourio’s service-time clock, allowing him to focus on his game.
47. Spring Training Adjustments: Chourio has been adjusting to playing right field during spring training, a position he has played less frequently in the minors.
48. Garrett Mitchell’s Role: Mitchell is expected to handle center field duties, given his defensive prowess and the Brewers’ need for a reliable outfielder.
49. Sal Frelick’s Versatility: Frelick’s ability to play multiple positions could allow him to stick as a backup outfielder or even see time at third base, depending on the team’s needs.
50. Future Prospects: With his record-setting contract and impressive rookie season, Jackson Chourio is poised to become one of the top players in the MLB, potentially leading the Brewers to future success.

Jackson Chourio's Bright Future

Jackson Chourio's journey from Maracaibo, Venezuela, to the Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day roster is nothing short of remarkable. At just 20, he's already made a significant impact, earning accolades and setting records. His versatility, playing multiple positions, and impressive stats highlight his potential. The Brewers' decision to sign him to a record-setting contract before his MLB debut speaks volumes about their confidence in his abilities. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, Chourio is poised to become a cornerstone for the Brewers. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his continued growth and contributions. As he navigates his rookie season, Chourio's blend of talent and determination promises an exciting future for both him and the Brewers. Keep an eye on this rising star; he's just getting started.