Jesse Sanchez
@JesseSanchezMLBThe Brewers are adding an international prospect that has the potential to make an impact at two positions.
According to industry sources, the club has an agreement with shortstop/outfielder Jackson Chourio of Venezuela, No. 18 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 International Prospects list, for $1.8 million.
The Brewers have not confirmed the deal.
Chourio’s hit tool might be the most advanced part of his game at the moment, but his defense is not far behind. He already shows good hands in the infield and an average arm that projects to be a plus tool in the future. He’s athletic enough to play in the outfield and has a good first step in center field. His speed allows him to cover lots of ground.
At the plate, the teen shows good bat speed, an understanding of the strike zone and the ability to put backspin on the ball. He can drive the ball out of the park to all fields, especially the opposite field. There’s a chance Chourio’s frame will force him to move to third base or a corner outfield spot, but for now, he’s staying put up the middle.
According to the rules established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the Draft -- like the Brewers -- have the most money to spend on international prospects, with a pool of $6,431,000. Clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Draft receive the second most at $5,889,600.
Unlike in previous years, teams are not allowed to trade any of their international pool money. Signing bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count toward a club's bonus pool, and foreign professional players who are at least 25 years of age and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.