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Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio hit his first career home run, which is likely the first of many to come in his promising career. Despite the Brewers losing to the Twins 7-3, Chourio’s home run was a positive moment and an enjoyable highlight.
A Promising Start
The 20-year-old outfielder came up to bat during the bottom of the fifth inning with the Brewers ahead 2-1, adding to his team’s lead with a powerful hit. The ball left his bat at a speed of 103.5 miles per hour and traveled 402 feet.
This marked his first career home run, but he had already been showing promise with a batting average of .368, four RBI, and a stolen base. Additionally, he scored his first career run during this at-bat.
Breaking Records
Chourio is the most recent player to hit a home run at a young age, following in the footsteps of Juan Soto who achieved the same feat in 2018 at 19 years old.
He is also the youngest Brewers player to hit a home run since Gary Sheffield did so in 1988, according to Sarah Langs. This places him in a notable category of players.
High Expectations for Chourio
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports ranked Chourio as the seventh-best prospect in baseball before the season began and provided the following description.
“Chourio, the breakout star of the 2022 minor-league season, is a dynamic talent. He’s the rare player who can launch opposite-field home runs with regularity, as well as put infielders in a blender on would-be routine grounders. (There was a game in late April against the Angels’ Double-A affiliate where he recorded infield singles to the shortstop and the third baseman in consecutive frames.) Some evaluators have expressed hit-tool concerns generated by his aggressive approach. It’s a fair consideration, but Chourio has earned the benefit of the doubt by holding his own in the upper minors at such a young age. If everything clicks, he’ll provide the Brewers with their fifth 30/30 season. And their sixth, their seventh, their eighth, and so on.”
CBS Sports
A Bright Future Ahead
Chourio made a significant impact during spring training and earned a spot on the team’s roster. Additionally, he has signed a groundbreaking eight-year contract extension worth $82 million.
Brewers’ Performance
The Brewers clinched the NL Central title in 2023 and have begun the 2024 season with a record of 4-1, despite trading their top pitcher, Corbin Burnes, in the offseason.
Conclusion
Despite the Milwaukee Brewers’ loss to the Twins, Jackson Chourio’s first career home run was a notable highlight. His impressive performance so far, coupled with his dynamic talent, has earned him recognition as the seventh-best prospect in baseball.
Chourio’s potential is further underscored by his historic eight-year, $82 million extension. As the youngest player to hit a home run since Juan Soto in 2018 and the youngest Brewers player to do so since Gary Sheffield in 1988, Chourio is certainly a player to watch in the coming seasons.
The Brewers, having won the NL Central in 2023 and starting the 2024 season 4-1, appear to be on a strong trajectory, with Chourio expected to play a significant role in their success.
Source: CBS Sports
