Brewers' Jackson Chourio Makes Career Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 3:01 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers have routinely operated with one of the league’s lowest payrolls, yet the club remains one of MLB’s most consistently successful organizations thanks to the strong roster building they have done over the past decade.

Even with limited financial flexibility, the front office has made strategic long‑term investments in key players, and one of the most significant was outfielder Jackson Chourio.

Milwaukee made him the highest‑paid player ever before making his MLB debut, signing him to an eight‑year, 82‑million‑dollar extension. Chourio has already begun to validate that commitment, and the Brewers believe he still has room to grow into a true superstar.

The 21‑year‑old posted a .270 batting average, .308 on‑base percentage, .770 OPS, 21 home runs and 21 stolen bases across 131 games, showcasing a high floor and an all‑around impact that is rare for a player his age.

Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11)© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

This offseason, Chourio’s health has been a focal point as he prepares for his third MLB season. A right hamstring issue bothered him throughout 2025, particularly during the postseason, where it flared up multiple times.

The Brewers have monitored him closely, but early signs have been encouraging. Chourio spent part of the winter participating in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he looked healthy and continued refining his game.

With the World Baseball Classic scheduled for March, Chourio faced a decision about whether to make his international debut for Team Venezuela. On Thursday, he officially announced in a joint Instagram collaboration post that he will participate in the tournament, marking his first appearance on the global stage.

View this post on Instagram

The timing of the event means it will not affect his availability for Opening Day, and the Brewers hope the high‑level competition will serve as valuable preparation for the season ahead.

For Milwaukee, a fully healthy and ascending Chourio remains central to their long‑term vision and their hopes of staying competitive in the National League. Chourio represents the type of homegrown star they have relied on to stay relevant despite payroll limitations.

Entering his third season, the organization expects him to become a more consistent force on both sides of the ball. If he continues progressing, Milwaukee will remain firmly in the postseason picture and capable of surprising teams once again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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