After several days of anticipation, the Milwaukee Brewers have made official the news that many fans have been waiting for: shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt has signed a long-term contract extension.
Reports surfaced on Monday that the Brewers and Pratt had come to terms on a deal, with Pratt himself confirming the news on his Instagram. Eight years with $50.75 million guaranteed and a pair of club options is the reported contract.
The deal begins this year and runs through the 2033 season. The club options are for 2034 and 2035. Because he’s signed the deal, the Brewers have added Pratt to the 40-man roster. To clear space, the Brewers designated outfielder Steward Berroa for assignment.
“We are very excited to make this long-term commitment to Cooper,” said Arnold. “He is a player we feel will be an instrumental part of our future success in Milwaukee. Cooper has all the tools to be a special player, and we are thrilled that he will be in a Brewers uniform for years to come. This commitment continues to show our organization’s passion, led by ownership, to consistently produce a winning team season after season.”
The Brewers did not release the financial details and breakdown for how the money will be paid out to Pratt over the years, though it can be assumed that the deal will be backloaded.
Pratt had just three games of Triple-A experience at the time of his deal, which is the fewest of any player at that level to sign an MLB extension. He’s been held out of the Nashville Sounds lineup all week while the deal was getting finalized. Now that it’s official, we can expect to see Pratt return to the lineup for Nashville.
Pratt is regarded as the best defender in the Brewers’ farm system. It’s that defensive prowess at a premium position that helped convince the Brewers he was worth extending. There is a strong belief in his offensive development despite non-overwhelming numbers in Double-A last season. There should be more power to come, and the Brewers are making a big bet on his bat. If he’s able to be even a decent hitter at the MLB level, he’ll be well worth his contract.
It’s unclear just when the Brewers will promote Pratt to the big leagues. We know that it won’t be immediately, but it still could be soon. With the contract now finished, as soon as the Brewers feel he is ready for the majors, there will be nothing to stand in the way of his promotion.
