Despite not playing a single game in the big leagues yet, one of the Milwaukee Brewers’ top prospects is lined up to receive a massive pay day.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale first reported Monday that the Brewers were on the verge of finalizing an eight-year contract worth over $50 million with 21-year-old shortstop Cooper Pratt, which included two options. Jon Heyman of the New York Post later reported that the value of the contract is $50.75 million.
Pratt was drafted by the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft and has been steadily working his way up through the team’s farm system. The young shortstop is the No. 4 prospect in Milwaukee’s farm system, and is the No. 62 prospect in all of baseball.
Pratt has only played a few games so far at the Triple-A level after spending all of last season in Double-A. Though the 21-year-old is a plus defender, winning a minor league Gold Glove back in 2024, he struggled at the plate last season, slashing .238/.343/.348 with eight home runs and 62 runs batted in.
Pratt’s impressive spring training performance likely played a big role in securing this contract, though the reports have not been confirmed by the team. The Brewers are no strangers to signing players before they make their MLB debut, as Milwaukee took a similar approach when signing Jackson Chourio to a long-term extension, which has been a massive success.
The Brewers are known for their success in developing young players, and clearly have a lot of faith in Pratt. Though the 21-year-old needs to improve at the plate this season, this contract is a strong endorsement from general manager Matt Arnold on his future with the team.
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