In a groundbreaking move, the Milwaukee Brewers are expected to finalize an eight-year contract extension with their highly-touted prospect, Jackson Chourio. Multiple reports have confirmed that the deal, which will include guaranteed earnings of approximately $80 million over the span of eight years, is set to be completed on Thursday.

News of the extension talks between the Brewers and Chourio first emerged on Tuesday through Ken Rosenthal's report. By Thursday morning, it was clear that the negotiations were reaching their conclusion. According to Jon Heyman, this deal will not only secure Chourio's services for all of his initial six years of club control but also have the potential to cover two to four seasons of his future free agency, hinging on whether the Brewers exercise their options.

If finalized, this extension will shatter previous records for minor league players who have yet to make their debut in the major leagues. At just 19 years old, Chourio, Milwaukee's No. 1 prospect, has already garnered considerable attention in the baseball world. Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, the young outfielder has impressed with his rapid ascent through the minor league ranks over the past two seasons.

During the 2023 season, Chourio showcased his abilities in Double-A Biloxi, batting an impressive .280/.336/.467 (112 wRC+). Following the conclusion of the Double-A campaign, he was promoted to Triple-A where he continued to excel, hitting.333/.375/.476 (111 wRC+) in a small sample size of six games with the Nashville Sounds.

An extension for Chourio not only solidifies his path towards the major leagues but also raises questions about the logjam in Milwaukee's outfield. With Christian Yelich firmly anchored in left field and other young talents such as Sal Frelick, Joey Wiemer, and Garrett Mitchell recently graduating from the minor leagues, there is fierce competition for playing time in the outfield.

Assuming Chourio secures a starting role as the center fielder at some point in 2024, the Brewers will face the challenge of managing playing time among their six outfield options. This surplus of talented players may prompt the Brewers to explore trades, with Frelick, Wiemer, Mitchell, or even Blake Perkins potentially becoming trade assets that could strengthen other areas of their roster, such as the starting rotation or the infield.

As the financial terms of the contract are being finalized, Chourio's official signing is contingent upon him passing a physical examination. If all goes as planned, the young outfielder's record-breaking contract extension will undoubtedly mark an exciting chapter in both his career and the Brewers' future.

It remains to be seen how the Brewers will ultimately navigate their outfield depth and capitalize on their talented prospects, but one thing is certain - the signing of Jackson Chourio signifies Milwaukee's commitment to building a competitive and dynamic team for years to come.