Brewers' 17-year-old international signee draws comparisons to Chourio
PHOENIX – A farm system loses an elite-level prospect like Jackson Chourio, who was the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball at the start of the 2024 season, to the big leagues, it’s easy to understand that it would take a hit in this year’s farm system rankings. So don’t
PHOENIX – A farm system loses an elite-level prospect like Jackson Chourio, who was the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball at the start of the 2024 season, to the big leagues, it’s easy to understand that it would take a hit in this year’s farm system rankings.
So don’t feel bad, Brewers fans, to see that they … checks the new farm system rankings … jumped 10 spots?
There are multiple reasons why Milwaukee is now considered a top 10 farm system even without Chourio, from infield depth to shrewd drafting to a very strong presence on the international market. But while it’s not just one player who gets all of the credit for the rise, the fact that it looks like there might be someone who could follow in Chourio’s footsteps certainly doesn’t hurt.
Jesús Made is here in Arizona experiencing his first Spring Training, just like Chourio did in 2022. Made’s debut in the Dominican Summer League after signing for $950,000 in January of 2024 was even better than what Chourio did. The infielder was named the organization’s co-Minor League Player of the Year after posting a .331/.458/.554 line with six homers, 28 steals and a 28/39 K/BB ratio in 51 games. With every report the player development staff got last summer about Made’s exit velocities and impact from both sides of the plate, the more excited they got about his future.
Chourio went straight to full-season ball for his United States debut after that first Spring Training experience and there’s some organizational conviction that Made can follow suit and jump on a similar fast track.
“What will it ultimately come down to? Baseball skill-wise, we’re confident he could go to Carolina, probably like Jackson did,” Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan said. “But it’s also all the off the field stuff. You’re in a new country, you’re not even 18 years old yet, how do you go to a grocery store, keeping up with the language. Balancing the life skills and all the things that growing up in the States you kind of take for granted. That’s going to be the big factor.
“It came naturally to Jackson, and he was comfortable in the States. Jesús has shown signs of that already, so we’re hopeful he can at least start out on that path. Where it ends up, we’ll see.”
There’s a balance to be struck here. There’s an example to follow in what Chourio did, but it would be unfair to assume any talented prospect could go from the DSL, spend one year in the Minors stateside and then finish third in Rookie of the Year voting following a 20-20 season. The Brewers won’t be afraid to move Made aggressively because they know it can be done, but they’ll also not cut any corners.
They’ve even learned to do some things a little differently with Made this spring compared to 2022 with their center fielder. Chourio didn’t see any time in Major League Cactus League games until very late in camp. To help Made, now the No. 55 prospect in baseball, prepare for what could come next, they’ve sent him over for more big league experience, even as a late-inning backup, to help smooth the path for him a little bit.
What Made has more than anything that Chourio didn’t have ... is Chourio. Made met him in Milwaukee for the last home series of the year when he came to town to get his Minor League Player of the Year award. Now they’re in Maryvale together, and a relationship is slowly forming that will only serve to benefit Made’s development.’
“They obviously knew of one another but hadn't spent much time together,” Flanagan said. “I think now, just having these conversations here and there, and more importantly, just from the side, seeing that it’s possible to move that quickly, I think Made has that extra level of confidence that he won’t be the first guy, but maybe, hopefully, he’ll be the second guy in a couple of years to do it.
“We know time is on his side, so we want to be careful not to force the issue. He has to, just like Jackson had to, earn his way at each level, and he kind of forced our hand. Hopefully Jesús can do the same.”
Camp standout: Jack Hostetler
A year ago at this time, Hostetler was in his third season at Division 3 Whitman College in Washington. He was planning to move on to Oregon State for a senior season until the Brewers signed him as a nondrafted free agent last August. Now he’s in his first Spring Training and making a very strong first impression, including an early big league Cactus League inning. There are some who think he could be this year’s Brett Wichrowski, who was a Day 3 draftee in 2023, wowed people seemingly out of nowhere in camp and then pitched his way to Double-A.
“He came on the scene with little fanfare,” Flanagan said about Hostetler, who could pitch entirely off of his lively mid-90s fastball, but also has a solid changeup and slider. “Like Wichrowski, he’s a guy who came into our offseason programs and opened some eyes and took it right into Spring Training. He has quick at-bats, always on the attack. He knows his stuff is good and makes short work of the hitters he’s faced.”
Breakout candidate: Luis Lara
Currently the No. 21 prospect in the system, it looked like Lara might be a fast-tracker. He signed for $1.1 million in June 2022, went to full-season ball in 2023 and earned a promotion to High-A. A return to Wisconsin in 2024 didn’t go as well as he slashed just .245/.332/.327, and he didn’t move the needle much offensively when he finished up in the Arizona Fall League. He seemed out of gas at times, playing far more games in a season than ever before, even after missing time with a hand injury, and it looks like he put in the offseason work to address that issue.
“The will was there, but he just didn’t have the stamina,” Flanagan said about Lara’s 2024 season. “I think this year he’s in a much better place physically. He is much much stronger than we feel he’s been in the past, so I could see him being a guy who holds up a lot better over the course of the season. The experience he’s had, as a non-roster invitee to big league camp this spring, I think his confidence is high right now as well.”
Something to prove: Eduardo Garcia
Way back in July 2018, the Brewers gave Garcia seven figures to sign as a top shortstop prospect out of Venezuela. It’s been very slow going ever since, with injuries playing a factor, though he did start the 2024 season in Double-A. There were some glimmers of hope out of the gate: He had to move to center field because of the glut of infielders in Biloxi and looked very natural on the grass. He was swinging the bat better than perhaps he ever had, with an OPS of .837 OPS over 10 games until he was hit by a pitch and broke his hand. He missed two months and spent the bulk of his time once he returned back at High-A. His showing in winter ball, albeit in limited playing time (.391/.412/.674 in 51 plate appearances) is giving the Brewers some cause for optimism in a guy who will be a Minor League free agent at the end of this season, even though he’s still only 22.
“He has a chance to move around the diamond quite a bit,” Flanagan said. “A little bit is out of necessity; a lot of it is on him and his athleticism to go wherever you need him. The bat is interesting. He’s been a little bit of a swing-and-miss guy in the past, where you question the strike-zone judgement. Is he recognizing spin? He started to make some strides last year but that’s still a huge thing he has to step on. This is his opportunity to show us what he’s got.”
Chihuahuas Fall 14-4 in Series Finale Sunday
Las Vegas 14 El Paso 4 – Sunday WP: Dodson (1-0) LP: Kollar (2-4) S: None Time: 2:58 Attn: 5,770 The Las Vegas Aviators beat the El Paso Chihuahuas 14-4 Sunday afternoon and won four of the six games in the series at Las Vegas Ballpark. Las Vegas has the
Chihuahuas Fall in Close Game Saturday in Las Vegas
Las Vegas 6 El Paso 4 – Saturday WP: Walkinshaw (4-2) LP: Benjamin (1-4) S: Alvarado (6) Time: 2:53 Attn: 7,116 The El Paso Chihuahuas put the go-ahead run on base with one out in the ninth inning Saturday night at Las Vegas Ballpark but lost to the Las Vegas
Chihuahuas Hit Four Homers in Friday Win
El Paso 12 Las Vegas 4 – Friday WP: Hart (1-0) LP: Barnett (1-1) S: None Time: 2:58 Attn: 8,004 The El Paso Chihuahuas hit four home runs in their 12-4 win over the Las Vegas Aviators Friday night at Las Vegas Ballpark. El Paso has won two straight games
Five Late Runs Lead Chihuahuas to Comeback Win
El Paso 8 Las Vegas 5 – Thursday WP: Kopps (2-0) LP: Tomioka (0-1) S: Knehr (8) Time: 2:58 Attn: 5,767 The El Paso Chihuahuas scored twice in the eighth inning and three times in the ninth to come back and beat the Las Vegas Aviators 8-5 Thursday night at
Darvish Pitches on MLB Rehab for El Paso Wednesday
Las Vegas 6 El Paso 4 – Wednesday WP: Duran (2-0) LP: Darvish (0-1) S: None Time: 2:46 Attn: 5,488 The El Paso Chihuahuas brought the tying run to the plate with two outs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday but lost to the Las Vegas Aviators 6-4
Chihuahuas Fall 20-2 in Series Opener in Las Vegas Tuesday
Las Vegas 20 El Paso 2 – Tuesday WP: Perkins (1-1) LP: Benjamin (1-3) S: None Time: 2:57 Attn: 4,937 The Las Vegas Aviators scored eight runs in a 13-batter bottom of the first inning and beat the El Paso Chihuahuas 20-2 on Tuesday night at Las Vegas Ballpark. It
Chihuahuas Win Sunday and Take Five of Six from Express
El Paso 8 Round Rock 4 – Sunday WP: Blanchard (3-2) LP: Abbott (0-1) S: None Time: 2:56 Attn: 5,249 The El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Round Rock Express 8-4 Sunday afternoon at Southwest University Park to win for the seventh time in their last eight games. The Chihuahuas won
Chihuahuas Beat Express Saturday to Clinch Series Win
El Paso 14 Round Rock 8 – Saturday WP: Kollar (2-3) LP: Dugger (0-1) S: None Time: 3:03 Attn: 8,195 The El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Round Rock Express 14-8 Saturday night at Southwest University Park to win their sixth game in their last seven tries. The Chihuahuas have won
Gonzalez Hits Walk-Off Single Friday Night
El Paso 4 Round Rock 3 – Friday WP: Knehr (2-2) LP: Winn (3-1) S: None Time: 2:30 Attn: 7,868 Oscar González hit a bases loaded game-ending single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night to give the El Paso Chihuahuas a 4-3 win over
Chihuahuas Fall 5-4 to Round Rock Thursday
Round Rock 5 El Paso 4 – Thursday WP: Plassmeyer (2-0) LP: Morgan (0-1) S: Curvelo (1) Time: 2:46 Attn: 6,387 The Round Rock Express scored a go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning and beat the El Paso Chihuahuas 5-4 Thursday night at Southwest University Park. The
Dungan Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run in Wednesday Win
El Paso 12 Round Rock 4 – Wednesday WP: Routzahn (2-1) LP: Garabito (0-4) S: None Time: 3:02 Attn: 7,975 The El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Round Rock Express 12-4 Wednesday afternoon at Southwest University Park and they’ve taken the first two games of the series. It was El Paso’s
Padres Infielder Jake Cronenworth Scheduled for Rehab Appearance During Chihuahuas Homestand
FIND SEATS HERE EL PASO – May 6, 2025 – The El Paso Chihuahuas are back at Southwest University Park tonight, Tuesday, May 6, to kick off a six-game series against the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express, running through Sunday, May 11. The series opener features a
Chihuahuas Start Homestand with 9-7 Win Tuesday
El Paso 9 Round Rock 7 – Tuesday WP: Kopps (1-0) LP: Gray (0-1) S: Knehr (7) Time: 2:45 Attn: 4,966 The El Paso Chihuahuas started their six-game series with a 9-7 win over the Round Rock Express Tuesday night at Southwest University Park. It was El Paso’s third consecutive
Chihuahuas Close Road Trip with 3-2 Win in OKC
El Paso 3 Oklahoma City 2 – Sunday WP: Pena (1-0) LP: Little (0-1) S: Knehr (6) Time: 2:31 Attn: 6,083 The El Paso Chihuahuas scored twice in the eighth inning and once in the ninth to come back and beat the Oklahoma City Comets 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Chickasaw
Chihuahuas Win 4-2 Saturday Night at OKC
El Paso 4 Oklahoma City 2 – Saturday WP: Brito (2-2) LP: Hernandez (0-3) S: Knehr (5) Time: 2:40 Attn: 7,435 The El Paso Chihuahuas trailed 2-1 in the sixth inning Saturday night and came back to beat the Oklahoma City Comets 4-2 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Chihuahuas have
Chihuahuas Shut Out Friday for the First Time in 2025
Oklahoma City 10 El Paso 0 – Friday WP: Frasso (3-0) LP: Cruz (0-2) S: None Time: 2:35 Attn: 6,590 The El Paso Chihuahuas were held to four singles in their 10-0 loss to the Oklahoma City Comets Friday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. It was the first time El
Oklahoma City Wins Twice in Thursday Doubleheader
Oklahoma City 4 El Paso 3 – Thursday – Game 1 WP: Boyer (3-2) LP: Knehr (1-2) S: None Time: 2:08 Attn: 5,680 Ryan Ward hit a game-ending inside-the-park home run to left-center field in the Oklahoma City Comets’ 4-3 win over the El Paso Chihuahuas in Game 1 of
Chihuahuas Postponed in Oklahoma City on Tuesday
Tuesday night’s scheduled game between the El Paso Chihuahuas and Oklahoma City Comets has been postponed due to rain. The two teams will play a doubleheader Thursday beginning at 11:05 a.m. Central / 10:05 a.m. Mountain at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Both games will be seven innings.
Perlaza Extends Hitting Streak in Sunday Loss
Sacramento 7 El Paso 2 – Sunday WP: Seymour (1-2) LP: Kollar (1-3) S: None Time: 2:49 Attn: 5,393 The Sacramento River Cats beat the El Paso Chihuahuas 7-2 Sunday afternoon to win their second consecutive game at Southwest University Park. The Chihuahuas won three of the six games for
Sacramento Comes Back to Win in 10 Innings Saturday
Sacramento 4 El Paso 2 – Saturday – 10 Innings WP: Lucchesi (1-0) LP: Routzahn (1-1) S: None Time: 2:50 Attn: 8,433 The El Paso Chihuahuas were one strike away from a one-hit shutout Saturday night at Southwest University Park but Sacramento came back to win 4-2 in 10 innings.
MINECRAFT© MOVIE NIGHT Highlights Chihuahuas Homestand
FIND SEATS NOW!
Locastro Hits Grand Slam in Friday Win
El Paso 9 Sacramento 8 – Friday WP: Marinaccio (3-0) LP: Díaz (0-1) S: Knehr (4) Time: 3:09 Attn: 8,106 The El Paso Chihuahuas beat the Sacramento River Cats 9-8 Friday night to get their fourth win in their last five games. Chihuahuas leadoff hitter Tim Locastro hit a grand
Perlaza Extends Hitting Streak in Thursday Loss
Sacramento 7 El Paso 4 – Thursday WP: Harrison (1-0) LP: Benjamin (1-2) S: Ragsdale (1) Time: 2:31 Attn: 4,950 The Sacramento River Cats beat the El Paso Chihuahuas 7-4 Thursday night at Southwest University Park to end El Paso’s three-game winning streak. It was Sacramento’s first win in the
Late Home Runs Give Chihuahuas Third Straight Win
El Paso 7 Sacramento 5 – Wednesday WP: Routzahn (1-0) LP: Garza (1-1) S: Marinaccio (1) Time: 2:40 Attn: 5,905 The El Paso Chihuahuas scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning Wednesday afternoon to come back and beat the Sacramento River Cats 7-5 at Southwest University Park.
Chihuahuas Shut Out River Cats Tuesday Night
El Paso 3 Sacramento 0 – Tuesday WP: Kollar (1-2) LP: Seymour (0-2) S: Knehr (3) Time: 2:15 Attn: 4,759 The El Paso Chihuahuas started their six-game homestand against Sacramento with a 3-0 win over the River Cats Tuesday night. It was the Chihuahuas’ first shutout since September 7, 2024