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As the youngest player in the MLB on Opening Day this season, 20-year-old Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio drew considerable attention. The Venezuelan was backed by the team despite having played just six games at the Double-A level and he didn't disappoint. By October, he has had one of the best seasons for a player his age. In fact, he became the youngest player in history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases.
Chourio's teammate Rhys Hoskins, who is one of the experienced heads in the Brewers lineup, complimented Chourio's work ethic. He said that during a game against the Twins (July 21) he had the realization of the outfielder's potential.
"Obviously you can see it throughout, his time, any time on a baseball field. He's a sneaky big kid for being a 20 yearlold like being put together pretty strong. I think it was the first series All-Star break, kind of struggled in the first half started to put it together before the All-Star break," Hoskins said. [18:30]
"We came back and we are facing Minnesota and he hits a ball 460-470 feet top of the strike zone 99 mph and did it no problem. I remember turning to somebody in the dugout and being 'Okay this is what people are talking about.'"
The game he is referring to ended up 8-7 in favor of the Brewers. In the seventh inning, Chourio hit a game-tying two-run 443-foot homer that silenced the Target Field crowd.
As per the first baseman, the international rookie needed a few months to get into a proper mental state to play in the big leagues. Jackson Chourio relied on the advice from players like Willy Adames, William Contreras and Freddy Peralta for growth.
"He just continued to grow, he really leaned on Willy Adames, Willy Contreras and Freddy Peralta, just trying to figure out what the big leagues are like," Hoskins said.
Rhys Hoskins appreciates Jackson Chourio's maturity to play MLB at 20 years of age
The former Phillies player also highlighted how Jackson Chourio is special. Comparing himself to his case, Hoskins added that he wouldn't even be ready to take on the best in the MLB, something which Jackson has done with ease.
"I wouldn't be anywhere ready to take on all on what the big leagues throw at you at 20 years old. I needed my time in college to mess up and make mistakes and get yelled at and learn really like what it is to be human before taking on the big leagues and the bright lights, so it is impressive to watch," Hoskins said. [20:34]
Jackson Chourio's final season stat line read at a .275 batting average with 145 hits, 79 RBIs and 21 home runs. The Brewers would be satisfied having already gotten a taste of what Chourio is worth after signing him to an eight-year $82 million rookie contract.
