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.”
Four Space Cowboys Named To Astros 2025 Spring Breakout Roster
The 2025 Spring Breakout roster for the Houston Astros includes four Space Cowboys as announced on MLB Network on Thursday. The list includes RHP Miguel Ullola, INF Brice Matthews, INF Tommy Sacco Jr. and OF Jacob Melton. The full Spring Breakout roster can be found here. All four players were
Four Baseball Camps Scheduled for Summer 2025 at Constellation Field
Constellation Field will once again host four baseball camps during the upcoming summer presented by Raising Canes. Camps are open to children ages 6-12. Registration is available for all four dates here. Camps will run on the following dates: June 4 – 6 June 19 – 21 July 1 –
Single-Game Tickets On Sale Now For Space Cowboys Home Games
Single-game tickets for all 75 home games for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys are on sale now. Fans can purchase single-game tickets online here or at Regions Bank Ticket Office. The entire promotional schedule for 2025 has also been announced for Sugar Land and can be found here. Along with
Reigning Triple-A Champion Space Cowboys Launch 2025 Campaign
Today the reigning Triple-A National Champion Space Cowboys revealed their 2025 ‘Ascend’ campaign as they prepare for their fourth season, Mission Four, under the Space Cowboys name and fifth year as the top affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Full Promotional Schedule Announced For 2025 Space Cowboys Season
The defending Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their full promotional schedule for the 2025 season at Constellation Field. With the promotional schedule announced, single-game tickets for all 75 home games will go on sale on Thursday, February 20 at 10 am, while flex plans are currently
Voting Opens For Orion As Best Minor League Baseball Mascot
Voting is now open for USA Today 10Best for the Best Minor League Baseball Mascot. As part of the voting, Sugar Land Space Cowboys mascot Orion is one of the candidates for top mascot in Minor League Baseball. Fans can vote for Orion online here or by visiting 10best.com. Voting
Sugar Land To Host National Anthem Tryouts on March 4
The Sugar Land Space Cowboys will host auditions for singers to perform the National Anthem at Space Cowboys home games in 2025 on Tuesday, March 4 from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. Auditions will be held at Constellation Field and all participants must sign up to audition in advance by
Center Field Cinema Presented by Houston Methodist Returns To Constellation Field on March 14
Center Field Cinema presented by Houston Methodist returns to Constellation Field on Friday, March 14 at 6:30 pm. Gates open at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm screening of Moana 2 on the Texas-shaped videoboard at the home of the Space Cowboys. Tickets and parking are free, but tickets must
Space Cowboys Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
In conjunction with the Houston Astros, the defending Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season. The staff will include manager Mickey Storey, pitching coach Sean Buchanan, hitting coach Joe Thurston, development coach Wladimir Sutil, head athletic trainer Takeaki Ando, strength and
Orion's Kids Club and Silver Stars Packages On Sale Now
Memberships for Orion’s Kids Club as well as Silver Stars ticket packages for the 2025 Sugar Land Space Cowboys season are available for purchase now. Memberships for Orion’s Kids Club start at just $39 and include a ticket to all 13 Sunday home games for the Space Cowboys in 2025,
Spring Baseball Schedule at Constellation Field For 2025 Announced
Spring baseball is coming to Constellation Field for 2025 starting on Friday, February 7. The slate of games coming to Constellation Field includes the Bregman Cares Classic from February 7-9, Purdue playing a four-game series against Stephen F. Austin State University from February 14-16, the University of Houston playing a
Special Valentine's Day Ticket Offer Available for Sugar Land Opening Weekend
Special through Valentine’s Day, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys are running a pair of ticket package promotions good for Opening Weekend of the 2025 season. The first of the two offers is the Sweet Spot Package, which includes two tickets in the Regions Bank Club and parking for just $99.
Astros Caravan Set To Make Stop At Constellation Field on January 24
The 2025 Astros Caravan makes its stop at Constellation Field on Friday, January 24 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Vouchers for the Astros Caravan stop in Sugar Land are free but must be claimed in advance at SLSpaceCowboys.com or here. Parking is free and all activities for the Astros
Suite and Club-Level Tickets On Sale For Cosmic Baseball Tour
Suites and club-level ticket packages are on sale now for both dates of the Cosmic Takeover Tour at Constellation Field on July 11 and 12. Those wishing to purchase suites or Regions Bank Club tickets can do so by calling (281) 240-4487 or by filling out this form. Suites include
DJ Pirson Named Pacific Coast League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year
Sugar Land Space Cowboys Clubhouse Attendant DJ Pirson has been recognized as the 2024 Pacific Coast League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year, as announced by Minor League Baseball on Tuesday. Pirson was selected as the top home clubhouse manager in the league based on the results of surveys of
Game Times For 2025 Space Cowboys Games Announced
Game times for all home and road games for the 2025 Sugar Land Space Cowboys season have been announced. The full schedule for the defending Triple-A National Champions can be found here. Most Space Cowboys games at Constellation Field from Tuesday through Friday will start at 7:05 pm. Saturday games
City of Sugar Land To Host Championship Celebration At Constellation Field
The 2024 Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys and the City of Sugar Land will host a Championship Celebration on Thursday, October 17 at Constellation Field at 1:00 pm. In recognition of the Space Cowboys winning the Pacific Coast League Championship and Triple-A National Championship, Mayor Joe Zimmerman will
Astros Foundation and Cotton Holdings To Host Hurricane Relief Drives at Constellation Field and Minute Maid Park
The Astros Foundation and Cotton Holdings will host two hurricane relief drives in the Greater Houston area to support those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. “For nearly 30 years, Cotton has played an integral part in rebuilding communities after catastrophic disasters. Yet, after everything we’ve seen, Hurricane Helene’s
Space Cowboys Announce Team Awards For 2024
The 2024 Triple-A National Champion Sugar Land Space Cowboys have announced their team awards for their season. Infielder Shay Whitcomb has been named the Team MVP, RHP AJ Blubaugh and RHP Ryan Gusto have been named Co-Pitchers of the Year and RHP Wander Suero has been named the Reliever of
Six Space Cowboys Named 2024 Pacific Coast League All-Stars
Six members of the 2024 Sugar Land Space Cowboys have been named Pacific Coast League All-Stars as announced by Minor League Baseball on Wednesday. They include outfielder Pedro León, designated hitter Shay Whitcomb, starting pitcher AJ Blubaugh, starting pitcher Colton Gordon, starting pitcher Ryan Gusto and reliever Wander Suero. León
Mickey Storey Named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year
Sugar Land Space Cowboys Manager Mickey Storey has been named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year as announced by Minor League Baseball on Wednesday. This is the first Manager of the Year honor in Storey’s career. This season, Storey guided the Space Cowboys to both the first and
Offense Explodes As Space Cowboys Win Their First Triple-A National Championship
For the first time in franchise history, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (96-59) are Triple-A National Champions as they defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers (91-61) in the winner-takes-all Triple-A National Championship game on Saturday night at Las Vegas Ballpark by a score of 13-6. The Space Cowboys were the first
Sugar Land Uses Long Ball To Clinch First Pacific Coast League Title
In a game that they led from the first inning, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (2-0) defeated the Reno Aces (0-2) 5-2 to clinch their first Pacific Coast League Championship on Wednesday night at Constellation Field.
Offense Explodes For Double-Digits In Game One Victory
\In the first game of a best-of-three series for the Pacific Coast League Championship, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (1-0) offense pounded the Reno Aces (0-1) pitching staff for 14 runs in their 14-2 win on Tuesday night at Constellation Field. With the victory, the Space Cowboys are one win
Best-Of-Three Pacific Coast League Championship Series Begins Tuesday As Space Cowboys Host Reno
The 93-win Sugar Land Space Cowboys return home for the best-of-three Pacific Coast League Championship Series against the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting on Tuesday, September 24. Tuesday, September 24 vs. Reno @ 7:05 pm For the first game of the Pacific Coast League Championship,