Jackson Chourio Dazzles in Major League Debut

Jackson Chourio was one of several new Brewers faces that helped kick off the 2024 season against the New York Mets, but he was the one that people were probably watching the closest. Because making his major league debut wasn’t enough pressure, he was also set to hit leadoff. He answered the call, drawing a walk against José Quintana in just four pitches. He followed this up with a stolen base, immediately placing himself into scoring position and putting his 70-grade speed tool on display. To Francisco Alvarez’s credit, he was quite close, and had the pitch not taken an extra bounce in the dirt, he might’ve made the out. 

His next highlight came while playing in right field. There has been a bit of a learning curve as he adapts to playing in the corners of the outfield rather than the middle, and he’s gone on record saying that mastering his new defensive position is an immediate goal. In the bottom of the third inning, Chourio made a great catch to steal a potential double from Brandon Nimmo.

He also managed to record his first career hit, a single to right field in the top of the fifth inning. It had an exit velocity of 91.0 mph, which wasn't the hardest ball ever recorded, but it was a great example of his hitting abilities. Jose Quintana’s pitch was a good changeup down and away, but it was tough for most batters to work with. 

In his final plate appearance of the day, Chourio grounded into a force out but scored Jake Bauers, notching his first career RBI, becoming the youngest player in MLB history with at least one stolen base and RBI in his debut. He made another catch to put out Starling Marte in the same inning. 

All in all, it was a productive day for the young rookie. While the two catches he made in the outfield weren’t the greatest ones ever recorded, they show that he’s starting to get a little more comfortable in right field. One could make the argument that the only reason he had to jump for either catch was because he was out of position or got a bad jump/read, but that means that once he does begin to master his new role, his athleticism will augment his fielding range by that much more.

One game isn’t very significant, but it’s encouraging to see positive signs so early. He’ll likely slow down soon and have to make some adjustments, which is when we’ll see if he’s everything that scouts have told us. For those who hadn't seen him play in the minor leagues, hopefully, this helped to prove that he's a special talent with a bright future ahead of him. For Brewers and baseball fans alike, watching him flourish will be a privilege.