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.”
Champ Announced As Bat Dog For 2025 Season
The Durham Bulls today announced that Champ, the younger brother of Ripken The Bat Dog, will take over as the team’s bat dog at select games for the 2025 season. “We are very excited for Champ to continue Ripken’s legacy at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and cannot wait to see
All-Session Passes On Sale Now for 2025 ACC Baseball Championship
All-session passes for the 2025 ACC Baseball Championship in Durham, North Carolina, are on sale now. The six-day tournament is scheduled for May 20-25, 2025, at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR ALL-SESSION PASSES Full-session passes are available with prices as low as $150 dollars for terrace
Bulls Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
The Durham Bulls today announced their promotions for the upcoming 2025 season, which will mark the 30 years since Durham Bulls Athletic Park opened on April 6, 1995. Single-game tickets for all 75 home dates are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. The 2025 season features
Carson Williams Among Rays Players Set to Participate in Spring Breakout
Rosters have been announced for the second Spring Breakout, a four-day event showcasing the future of baseball with games between the best prospects in each farm system across Grapefruit and Cactus League ballparks. The Tampa Bay Rays roster features several of the organization's top-rated minor league players, including top prospect
Rays Reassign Four Pitchers to Minor League Camp
The Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday afternoon announced they have reassigned four pitchers to minor league camp, including 2024 Bulls pitchers Logan Workman and Alfredo Zarraga. Two other hurlers, lefty Keyshaw Askew and righty Austin Vernon, could also potentially pitch in Durham at some point this year. CLICK HERE TO
DBAP 30 For 30: Counting Down to Opening Night
As we celebrate the 30 years since Durham Bulls Athletic Park first opened on April 6, 1995, each day leading up to Opening Night on Tuesday, April 1 we'll be counting down (starting at 30, naturally), sharing significant achievements, milestones, and the various players and coaches who have been affiliated
Chrystal Rowe Announced As Bulls Interim General Manager
The Durham Bulls announced today that Tyler Parsons has departed the organization to pursue a new opportunity. Chrystal Rowe, who is entering her third season with the Bulls, has been named Durham’s Interim General Manager. “I’m excited to continue working alongside our dedicated team to build on the rich tradition
DBAP to Host Matchup between UNC & ECU on Saturday, February 22
Durham Bulls Athletic Park will play host to a clash between two preseason top 25 college baseball squads when the University of North Carolina Tar Heels face off against the East Carolina University Pirates on Saturday, February 22. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30pm ET, with tickets on sale now
Bulls Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Rays, have announced their field staff for the 2025 campaign, the franchise’s 30th year at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Morgan Ensberg is set to return to Durham for his second season as manager, with Pitching Coach Brian Reith, Hitting Coach Kenny
Rays Announce Two-Year Extension with Rasmussen for 2025-26 Seasons
The Tampa Bay Rays announced on Tuesday they have signed right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen to a two-year contract extension for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a club option for 2027. The 29-year-old has made appearances with the Bulls during portions of the 2021 and 2024 campaigns, the latter as
Bulls Announce New Partnership with NCSH
The Durham Bulls announced today a new partnership with the North Carolina Specialty Hospital (NCSH) to promote high-quality and specialized health care within the Triangle. “We are excited to partner with the Durham Bulls, a team that shares our commitment to excellence and community”, said Randi Shults, CEO of North
Bulls Announce Extension of Partnership with Alpaca Chicken
The Durham Bulls today announced an extension of their partnership with the veteran, minority, and family-owned restaurant, to bring the Triangle closer to their delicious Peruvian menu. The extension means Alpaca Chicken will not only be an official sponsor of the Bulls, but also of the Holly Springs Salamanders in
Durham’s Hendricks Named IL Groundskeeper Of The Year
Minor League Baseball (MiLB) has announced that the Durham Bulls’ Dylan Hendricks has been awarded the International League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year for the 2024 season. The winners of the groundskeeper and home/visiting clubhouse manager awards were selected using the results of surveys of league managers, players and executives
Bulls Announce New Partnership With IIANC
The Durham Bulls today announced a partnership with the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (“IIANC”) to promote safer driving across our communities. The collaboration will combine the market leading reach of the Bulls across their in-stadium attendance as well as their social media following and IIANC’s expertise in local
Bulls Awarded 2024's "Most Unique Partner Activation"
The Durham Bulls won a 2024 Golden Bobblehead Award for having the most unique partner activation, an award presented to the iconic club at Minor League Baseball’s Fall Business Summit Awards Reception. Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced the winners of the 2024 Golden Bobblehead Awards for top promotional activities and
Bulls Fall To Memphis In Season Finale, 8-6
The Durham Bulls fell to the Memphis Redbirds 8-6 in the regular season finale at Auto Zone Park on Sunday, but Jake Mangum became the first Bulls’ hitter to win the league batting title in five years. Memphis (36-37, 73-74) scored six times in the first inning against Durham starter
Redbirds Blank Bulls, 8-0
Zack Thompson and Connor Thomas combined on a four-hitter as the Memphis Redbirds defeated the Durham Bulls 8-0 on Saturday afternoon at Auto Zone Park. Thompson (W, 4-6) worked six shutout innings, with Thomas (S, 3) earning a three-inning save. Memphis (35-37) took a 1-0 lead against Bulls starter Logan
Memphis Evens Series With 8-5 Win Over Bulls
Ramon Mendoza broke a 5-5 tie in the seventh with a single to send the Memphis Redbirds past the Durham Bulls 8-5 on Friday night at Auto Zone Park. The Bulls (36-37) trailed 3-1 in the sixth before Bob Seymour and Heriberto Hernandez struck for long home runs to push
Bulls Blank Memphis, 4-0
Joe Rock struck out a season-high 10 batters of seven innings, while International League leading hitter Jake Mangum had two hits and drove in two to lead the Durham Bulls past the Memphis Redbirds 4-0 at Auto Zone Park on Thursday night. Rock (W, 7-8) permitted four hits and one
Redbirds Rally Past Bulls, 5-4
The Memphis Redbirds scored five unanswered runs to defeat the Durham Bulls 5-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Auto Zone Park. The Bulls (35-36) jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 1 ½ innings before the Redbirds (33-36) rallied to knot the series 1-game apiece. In the first inning, Kameron Misner
Jackson Powers Bulls Over Memphis, 3-1
Alex Jackson clubbed a two-run homer in the second inning to propel the Durham Bulls past the Memphis Redbirds 3-1 on Tuesday night at Auto Zone Park. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Bulls (35-35) as they claimed the opener of the final series of the season.
Tides Beat Bulls In Extras Again, 2-1 In 11
Forrest Wall singled home Daniel Johnson to lead off the 11th inning as the Norfolk Tides beat the Durham Bulls 2-1 before 9,115 fans at the DBAP on Saturday night. The Tides (29-39) beat the Bulls (34-34) for the third straight game and second consecutive night in extra innings. Wall’s
Norfolk Edges Past Durham In 10, 3-2
Samuel Basallo snapped a 2-2 tie in the 10th inning with a single to centerfield to lift the Norfolk Tides past the Durham Bulls 3-2 before 9,168 fans at the DBAP on Friday night. Trailing 2-0 in the eighth, Kameron Misner clubbed a two-strike, two-out home run to tie the
Tides Shade Bulls, 2-1
Hudson Haskin hit a two-run double in the top of the seventh to snap a scoreless game to lead the Norfolk Tides past the Durham Bulls 2-1 before 8,075 fans at the DBAP on Thursday night. Durham’s Joe Rock (L, 6-8) and the Tides’ (27-39) Trevor Rogers dueled across six
Bulls Bash Three Homers In 8-1 Win Over Tides
The Durham Bulls hit three homers, while Ian Seymour threw six solid innings to lead the Bulls past the Norfolk Tides 8-1 at Tuesday night at the DBAP. Kameron Misner hit a two-run shot in the first, with Jake Mangum clocking a three-run shot in the fifth. Bob Seymour, who