Brewers lock in another part of their core in Luis Lara

The Milwaukee Brewers have been proactive in locking their young players into long-term contracts. They signed another potential part of their future core to a long-term deal on Tuesday.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara has agreed to a seven-year, $31 million contract. There are three team options and the contract can reach a total of $79 million with incentives.

The Brewers' fifth-best prospect, and 91st-best prospect overall per MLB.com, Lara has plus speed and is an impressive defensive center fielder. A switch hitter, Lara is considered to have a strong eye at the plate and impressive contact skills. 

Luis Lara could make impact on Milwaukee Brewers in near future

Lara has taken a significant step forward offensively this season. He has posted a .338/.447/.500 batting line in his 247 plate appearances at Triple-A Nashville entering Tuesday, with a career-high seven homers and eight doubles. Lara has used his excellent speed to make an impact on the basepaths as well as he has 18 steals in 22 attempts.

The Brewers could use help in the outfield as they look to return to the postseason. Right fielder Sal Frelick has struggled offensively, posting a .222/.296/.308 batting line with three homers and eight doubles in his 228 plate appearances. Although the Brewers have other options for the outfield in Jake Bauers, Christian Yelich and Blake Perkins, Lara has more upside.

The Brewers will need to add Lara to their 40-man roster once the extension becomes official. When that happens, Lara may not need to wait long to make his major league debut.