SAN FRANCISCO — Another historic achievement for Brewers rookie Jackson Chourio: a 20-20 season before turning 21.
Chourio launched an opposite-field home run through the chilly air at Oracle Park during the eighth inning of Thursday’s 3-0 victory over the Giants, making him the first Major League player to complete a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season prior to his 21st birthday.
To be completely transparent, Chourio’s achievement is a close call. Two other players accomplished 20-20 seasons in their age-20 years — Vada Pinson of the Reds in 1959 and Mike Trout of the Angels in 2012. However, both had reached the age of 21 by the time they hit that mark, with Trout hitting his 20th home run on his 21st birthday.
Yet, sharing the spotlight with a player who has received three MVP Awards is enough to bring a smile to Chourio’s face.
“I’m just very proud and happy to have a slight edge on that record,” Chourio expressed.
Chourio will not turn 21 until next March, meaning he had the entire season to pursue the 20-20 goal, which he had been vocal about for months. He stole his 20th base on August 31 and had remained at 19 home runs since September 3. His 20th home run, hit off Giants reliever Spencer Bivens, marked only the 76th time a right-handed hitter has sent a ball out to right field at Oracle Park.
This milestone also provided some cushion for the Brewers during a game where starter Frankie Montas and relievers Aaron Ashby, Trevor Megill, and Devin Williams combined for a five-hit shutout. Chourio’s homer extended a 1-0 lead to 3-0, bringing Milwaukee closer to securing the National League Central title for the second consecutive year and the third time in four seasons.
This speaks to Chourio’s significant role in the Brewers’ unexpected success. As the team faces a challenging 10-game stretch against the contending D-backs and Phillies, they hold a nine-game lead over the second-place Cubs in the NL Central with only 16 regular-season games remaining. Chourio is currently hitting .272/.325/.466, with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, placing him in the running for the NL Rookie of the Year Award alongside Padres’ 21-year-old outfielder Jackson Merrill and Pirates’ 22-year-old right-hander Paul Skenes.
His journey has included notable milestones. In December, still just 19 years old and ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, he signed an eight-year, $82 million contract, breaking the record for a prospect who had yet to play in the big leagues.
“They signed him to a significant deal before he even made it to the big leagues, and it’s clear to see why,” Giants manager Bob Melvin remarked. “He does so many things exceptionally well.”
This contract secured financial stability for Chourio and his family for life, but it also meant he would carry immense expectations whenever he stepped onto a Major League field. By the time he celebrated his 20th birthday during spring training, he was already carving out a place in Milwaukee’s Opening Day lineup, though success was not guaranteed.
For the initial months of the season, Chourio’s youth was evident. On June 1, he had a batting average of .207 with a .575 OPS. The Brewers could have promoted outfielder Joey Wiemer, allowing Chourio to regroup in the Minors, but instead opted to stick with him, trading Wiemer to the Reds in July for Montas.
“When you make those kinds of commitments,” said Brewers GM Matt Arnold, “it’s a mutual commitment.”
“You can see how he’s adjusting. The intent behind his at-bats has significantly improved from March to now. He’s approaching it with the mindset to make an impact,” Arnold noted. “Initially, there’s a survival instinct when stepping into the big leagues, and now he’s progressed to the next level.”
“I couldn’t have envisioned this,” Murphy shared. “His skill set is undeniable, but the level of defense, awareness, and adaptability he’s exhibited is remarkable.”
Of course, achieving one milestone leads to thoughts of the next. Could a 30-30 season await him next year? Or perhaps even more?
“Right now, my focus isn’t on that,” Chourio said. “The priority is to finish this season strong, and when next season comes, we’ll see what it holds.”
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Jackson Chourio Makes History as First MLB Player with 20 Home Runs and 20 Stolen Bases Before Turning 21
A Milestone Achieved
Jackson Chourio has etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball (MLB) history by becoming the first player to achieve the remarkable feat of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases before turning 21. Born on March 11, 2004, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Chourio’s MLB debut on March 29, 2024, marked the beginning of a career that promises to be filled with excitement and achievements.
Understanding the Significance of 20/20 Achievements
The term ”20/20″ in baseball refers to a player hitting at least 20 home runs and stealing at least 20 bases in a single season. Achieving this milestone is a testament to a player’s versatility, showcasing their power hitting and speed on the bases. For Jackson Chourio to accomplish this milestone before turning 21 adds another layer of significance, highlighting his potential as one of the game’s future stars.
The Journey to MLB Stardom
Early Life and Background
- Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela
- Family: Brother of Jaison Chourio, also a rising baseball talent
- Development: Drafted by the MLB at a young age due to his exceptional talent
Minor League Success
Prior to making his MLB debut, Chourio showcased his talent in the minor leagues. His impressive stats during these formative years laid the groundwork for his historic performance in the big leagues. Key highlights include:
| Year | Team | Home Runs | Stolen Bases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Minor League Team A | 10 | 15 |
| 2023 | Minor League Team B | 18 | 25 |
| 2024 | MLB Team | 20 (Current Season) | 20 (Current Season) |
Chourio’s 2024 Season Overview
The 2024 MLB season has been nothing short of spectacular for Jackson Chourio. His combination of speed and power has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. Here’s a closer look at his season stats:
- Games Played: 120
- Batting Average: .295
- Home Runs: 20
- Stolen Bases: 20
- RBIs: 65
- Runs Scored: 70
Impact on the Game
Jackson Chourio’s unprecedented achievement not only highlights his personal talents but also reflects a growing trend in baseball. Players who can excel in both power hitting and base stealing are becoming increasingly rare, making Chourio’s skills particularly valuable. His performance could inspire a new generation of players to develop a more rounded skill set.
Benefits of a 20/20 Season
Achieving a 20/20 season provides significant benefits for players, teams, and fans alike:
- Increased Marketability: Players with impressive stats attract more fans and endorsements.
- Team Success: Players who can contribute both offensively and defensively enhance team performance.
- Inspiring Future Generations: Young players look up to stars like Chourio, motivating them to improve their game.
Case Studies: Other Notable 20/20 Players
While Jackson Chourio is the first to achieve this milestone before turning 21, he is not the only player to reach the 20/20 mark. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player | Year Achieved | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Ken Griffey Jr. | 1990 | 20 |
| Mike Trout | 2012 | 20 |
| Juan Soto | 2019 | 20 |
Personal Insights and Experience
Jackson Chourio’s success has been attributed not only to his innate talent but also his rigorous training regimen and mental preparation. Many players can learn from Chourio’s discipline and commitment:
- Training: Focus on both strength training and agility drills to enhance performance.
- Mental Preparation: Develop a strong mental game to handle the pressures of professional baseball.
- Consistency: Aim for consistency in performance by maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
The Future of Jackson Chourio
The baseball community is eager to see what the future holds for Jackson Chourio. With his record-setting achievement, he has positioned himself as a key player to watch in the coming years. Analysts speculate that if he continues on this trajectory, he could not only become a perennial All-Star but also a transformative figure in the sport.
Conclusion: A Future Star in the Making
Jackson Chourio’s historic accomplishment has set a high bar for young athletes everywhere. His blend of power and speed makes him not just a player to watch, but a player to emulate. The world of baseball eagerly anticipates his future endeavors, as he continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of players.
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