At just 17 years old, Jackson Chourio embarked on his professional baseball journey in the Venezuelan Winter League, playing for the Zulia team in his hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela. It was a pivotal moment in a career that would soon gain serious traction. Fast forward to today, and Chourio’s evolution as a player is nothing short of remarkable, making him one of the most exciting prospects in Major League Baseball. But as he prepares to return to Zulia this winter for another stint, the stakes have grown much higher, and the Brewers are now keeping an extra close eye on his progress.
In 2024, Chourio's journey hit a new peak. At just 20 years old, he inked a massive contract worth potentially $132 million over 10 years, firmly securing his place as the face of the Milwaukee Brewers’ future. On top of that, he finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, a testament to his explosive talent and versatility on the field. Chourio’s stellar performance during the 2024 season made him a household name, and as a result, expectations have skyrocketed for the seasons ahead.
With the Brewers’ recent investment in his long-term future, they’re understandably cautious about his health and well-being. The team is determined to manage his offseason play in Venezuela carefully, and while they’re allowing him to suit up for Zulia again, it will be in a limited capacity. Brewers’ general manager Matt Arnold was transparent about this decision, explaining the fine balance between allowing Chourio to continue his development and ensuring his body is not overworked.
“In close conversations with his agent and Chourio, we’ve mapped out a clear plan,” Arnold shared during the MLB winter meetings. “We want to make sure he gets his at-bats and stays sharp against live pitching. But at the same time, we’re committed to his health, so his role will be restricted.” Arnold’s comments reflect the careful planning that will shape Chourio’s path, both in Venezuela and with the Brewers moving forward.
Looking back on Chourio’s 2024 performance, it’s clear that his impact on the field was exceptional. He became the youngest player in baseball history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a single season, a feat that captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. With a batting average of .275, 21 home runs, 79 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, and an impressive .791 OPS, Chourio showcased his all-around skills. But his contributions weren’t just at the plate—his defensive ability in both left and right field made him an even more valuable asset to the Brewers.
What was even more impressive was his performance down the stretch. As the Brewers clinched a playoff spot, Chourio emerged as one of their most reliable performers, hitting .455 with two home runs in the NL Wild Card series against the New York Mets. For a player so young, the spotlight was certainly on him, and he didn’t disappoint. As Arnold puts it, Chourio’s performance is "pretty special" at this stage of his career, but the journey ahead will present challenges.
The big question surrounding Chourio is how he’ll respond to the adjustments major league pitchers will inevitably make. Baseball is a game of constant adaptation, and Chourio’s opponents will surely figure out new ways to attack him. Arnold wisely notes that while expectations are sky-high, it’s important to remember that Chourio is still developing and will need time to adjust to the demands of the big leagues.
“The league will adjust to him, and he’ll need to adjust as well,” Arnold said. “It’s a process, and we’re excited to see how he handles it. But what he’s done so far is really remarkable.”
Meanwhile, the Brewers are continuing to build their roster depth, especially after a 2024 season where injuries to starting pitchers forced them to tap into their bullpen and minor league affiliates more than they would have liked. The team was forced to turn to pitchers like Jared Koenig, Rob Zastryzny, and Hoby Milner, who served as “openers” in several games. Additionally, the Brewers brought up players like Tobias Myers, Robert Gasser, and Carlos Rodriguez to help fill in gaps.
Among the most intriguing names in this mix is Chad Patrick, a right-handed pitcher acquired from the Oakland Athletics in a trade that sent infielder Abraham Toro to the A's. In his first full season at Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds, Patrick posted a dominant 14-1 record, a 2.90 ERA, and a remarkable 145 strikeouts. His performance earned him International League Pitcher of the Year honors, yet despite his success, Patrick was not called up to the majors.
Arnold acknowledged that Patrick’s performance deserved attention, stating, “He pitched in a way where he absolutely deserved to be in that conversation.” The lack of a call-up came down to roster logistics, as Patrick wasn’t on the 40-man roster. However, the Brewers are clearly high on his potential, as evidenced by their decision to add him to the 40-man roster this offseason. With pitching depth still a question mark, Patrick is poised to make his big-league debut in 2025, especially if the Brewers decide to add another starting pitcher during the offseason.
For Patrick, the 2024 season was a breakout year. His five-pitch arsenal, which includes a cutter, four-seam fastball, changeup, sinker, and slider, helped him dominate opposing batters. He relied heavily on his cutter, which limited hitters to just a .185 average and had a hard-hit rate of just 32.4%. Patrick’s success didn’t just come from his stuff, though—he’s known for his intelligence on the mound and his ability to work through at-bats in a way that belies his age.
Arnold praised Patrick for his pitching smarts, noting, “He’s a very smart pitcher. Knows how to pitch, and he pitches well beyond his stuff.” As the Brewers continue to build their pitching staff, Patrick is one of the players they’ll be counting on to make an impact when he gets his chance in the big leagues.
While the Brewers are focused on adding top-tier talent to their major-league roster, they’re also adding depth to their minor league system. The team has signed several players to minor-league contracts with non-roster invitations to spring training. These include right-handers Jon Duplantier, Deivi García, and Vinny Nittoli, as well as left-hander Thomas Pannone. All four of these pitchers have previous big-league experience, with García once being a top prospect in the New York Yankees system.
Arnold expressed optimism about García’s potential, noting, “He’s a guy that you give to Chris Hook and Jim Henderson and let them tap into some pretty good stuff.” García, who has had some struggles in the past, still has the potential to help the Brewers, especially if they can refine his game and get him back to his peak form.
The Brewers are also adding talent in other areas, including position players. Infielders like Raynel Delgado, Ernesto Martinez Jr., and Anthony Seigler, as well as outfielders Jimmy Herron and Jared Oliva, are among those invited to camp. Martinez, who had a standout 2024 season at Double-A Biloxi, hit .284 with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. Standing 6-foot-6, Martinez could add some much-needed power to the Brewers’ lineup, while Seigler, who can play both second base and catcher, is known for his versatility.
With all these exciting moves and promising prospects, the Brewers are entering a pivotal offseason, where their decisions could shape the future of the franchise for years to come. From Chourio’s continued development to new faces like Patrick, the Brewers are building a roster that could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team makes its moves and prepares for another exciting year of baseball.
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