Brewers bet big on 20-year-old prospect Cooper Pratt with $50.75M deal
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed top prospect Cooper Pratt to an eight-year, $50.75 million deal. The 20-year-old infielder has yet to play a single game in the majors but impressed during spring training. This bold move follows the team's past strategy of locking in young talent early. Pratt was drafted in the sixth round in 2023 and quickly climbed through the Brewers' system. Last season, he played in Double-A, hitting .238 with eight home runs and 31 stolen bases. His patience at the plate stood out, with 67 walks and a .343 on-base percentage.
This spring, he earned a brief call-up to Triple-A, where he batted .294 with a .405 on-base percentage in just three games. Manager Pat Murphy highlighted Pratt's quick learning and strong work ethic after observing him in camp. His defensive skills have also drawn praise, reinforcing his reputation as a well-rounded prospect. The Brewers have a history of signing young players to long-term deals before they reach the majors. In 2023, they gave outfielder Jackson Chourio a lucrative extension—he has since delivered 20-plus homers and steals in each of his first two MLB seasons. Pratt's contract, however, stands out even more: no other team in the past five years has offered such a deal to a prospect without major league experience. MLB Pipeline currently ranks Pratt as the No. 62 prospect in baseball. His combination of speed, power, and defensive ability has made him one of the most exciting players in the Brewers' farm system.
The deal secures Pratt's future with Milwaukee through his prime years. If he develops as expected, the Brewers will have locked in a key player at a predictable cost. The contract also signals the team's confidence in its ability to identify and develop young talent.
