The Milwaukee Brewers are close to signing infielder Cooper Pratt to an eight-year contract worth more than $50 million, including two club options. The 21-year-old prospect, who has played just three games at Triple-A this season, follows in the footsteps of Jackson Chourio's pre-debut deal. Reports emerged from USA Today's Bob Nightengale and The New York Post's Jon Heyman.
MILWAUKEE -- Multiple sources informed MLB.com that the Brewers are finalizing an eight-year deal with Cooper Pratt for just north of $50 million, plus two club options worth at least $15 million each. Jon Heyman reported a guarantee of $50.75 million. The Brewers have not confirmed the agreement, adhering to their policy of not discussing extensions publicly. Pratt, their No. 4 prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 62 overall, was drafted in the sixth round out of high school in 2023 for $1.35 million and began this season at Triple-A Nashville after hitting .238/.343/.348 at Double-A last year. He is 4-for-15 (.267) through his first three Triple-A games, per CBS Sports reports. This mirrors the Brewers' 2023 extension with Jackson Chourio, an eight-year pact guaranteeing $82 million before his MLB debut. Chourio joined the Opening Day roster in 2024. Pratt impressed in spring training, logging the third-most Cactus League games among infielders amid absences for the World Baseball Classic. Brewers coaches praised his elite defense at shortstop, repeatable mechanics, and potential at the plate. 'We know the defense is there. He can play defense [in the big leagues] right now,' one coach said anonymously. Manager Pat Murphy added, 'What’s not to like? He has aptitude. He’s a great human and a great worker.' Pratt himself expressed confidence last week: 'I feel like I can play in the big leagues, so when that time comes, I’ll be ready.' The Brewers' depth at shortstop includes Joey Ortiz, Jesús Made, and others, positioning Pratt potentially as a third baseman or utility player.