Brewers Sign Shortstop Cooper Pratt to Eight-Year, $50.75 Million Contract

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Cooper Pratt has reportedly agreed to a $50.75 million contract extension spanning eight years before making his Major League debut.

The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt on an eight-year, $50.75 million contract, according to multiple reports. USA Today first indicated that the two parties were finalizing the terms of this lucrative extension. At 21 years old, Pratt is currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 62 overall prospect in professional baseball. This Cooper Pratt contract secures the infielder’s future in Milwaukee despite the fact that he has yet to appear in a Major League game.

During the most recent season, Pratt spent 120 games with the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers in the Southern League, a circuit known for being pitcher-friendly. In that span, he posted a .238 batting average and a .343 on-base percentage. His offensive output included eight home runs, 62 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. Demonstrating a disciplined approach at the plate, he drew 67 walks during his tenure in Double-A. Following that stint, he earned a brief promotion to Triple-A Nashville, where he appeared in three games, going 4-of-15 with one RBI and a single stolen base.

Statistical Performance and Scouting Profile

Pratt’s recent performance in spring training further solidified his standing within the organization. Over 18 Cactus League games this year, the 21-year-old infielder batted .294 with a .405 on-base percentage and four RBIs. Scouts and evaluators highlight his reputation as an outstanding fielder, noting that while his hitting is less polished at this stage of his development, he possesses a strong eye for the strike zone. The Brewers originally acquired Pratt in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and he has quickly ascended a farm system that is currently regarded as one of the premier units in the majors.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy addressed the young shortstop's progress on Monday, praising his aptitude and work ethic. Murphy characterized Pratt as a "great human" and a dedicated worker, though he noted the player still has a developmental path ahead of him. "He’s a baseball player. He’s a good baseball player. He’s got a ways to go," Murphy stated when asked about the prospect's attributes following his time in spring training camp. The club has not yet officially confirmed the signing, though the reported $50.75 million figure marks a significant investment in a player with limited experience above the Double-A level.

Precedent for Pre-Debut Extensions in Milwaukee

This transaction follows a specific strategy employed by the Brewers front office to secure young talent early. In December 2023, the franchise signed outfielder Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million deal. At the time of his signing, Chourio was only 19 years old and had participated in just six games above the Double-A level. That investment proved successful as Chourio reached the Major Leagues in 2024, subsequently recording at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first two seasons at the highest level.

By committing $50.75 million to Pratt, the Brewers are betting on a similar trajectory for their top-ranked shortstop. The eight-year duration of the deal mirrors the length of the Chourio contract, suggesting a long-term organizational blueprint centered on internal player development. Pratt’s combination of defensive reliability and base-running speed—evidenced by his 32 total steals across two minor league levels last year—fits the athletic profile the Brewers have prioritized in recent seasons.

Impact on the Brewers Farm System

As the No. 62 prospect in baseball, Pratt is a cornerstone of a Milwaukee pipeline that continues to produce high-end talent. His ability to maintain a .343 on-base percentage in the Southern League suggests a level of plate discipline that often translates well to the major leagues. The 67 walks he earned in 120 games signify a patient approach that offsets his current .238 batting average. As he continues to refine his swing, the Brewers anticipate his power numbers will grow to complement his established defensive skills at shortstop.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of these contract details. With this move, Milwaukee continues to lead the league in aggressive contract extensions for unproven prospects, effectively bypassing the traditional arbitration process to lock in core contributors for the better part of a decade. Pratt now joins a roster of young talent expected to maintain the Brewers' competitive standing in the National League Central for years to come.