Milwaukee Brewers skipper Pat Murphy will carefully handle outfielder Jackson Chourio as he continues to grow into one of the most gifted young players. Murphy acknowledges Chourio’s talent, but doesn’t put unrealistic expectations on him.
Chourio joined the Brewers as an international free agent in 2021 and signed an eight-year, $82 million contract before the 2024 season. Meanwhile, Murphy served as the team’s coach from 2016 to 2023. He became the team manager in 2024.
The 67-year-old coach discussed Chourio and the expectations surrounding him on Wednesday’s episode of the”Baseball Is Dead” podcast.
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“It’s very delicate because this kid is, he’s special,” Murphy said (Timestamp: 31:23). “We see so many great players. We’re so lucky to be around so much great talent. Guys that are huge. Guys that take those physical attributes and combine them with great baseball talent. This kid is like, he’s got a special knack. Those hands work.”
Murphy said pitchers find it difficult to beat Jackson Chourio as velocity alone can’t disrupt him. He also said the outfielder has an air of confidence around him, which is quite surprising for someone in their early twenties.
“So there’s some fragility to him,” Murphy added. “He’s not, his strike ball is not, everybody knows that. That he’s swinging, man. You know, So did Vlad Senior and uh, you know, he’s not ready to be put in that class, but he is, um, he’s a really talented kid and he’s a great person.”
Murphy also said he is excited about Chourio’s future because of his empathetic character. He is confident that big situations won’t spook the 21-year-old outfielder.
Pat Murphy shares a story about Jackson Chourio
In the same “Baseball Is Dead” podcast episode, Brewers skipper Pat Murphy recounted a story about Jackson Chourio’s return from his first career injury. After rehab, the outfielder’s performances in Triple-A were lacklustre.
The front office was skeptical about his immediate return to the big leagues, but skipper Murphy had no doubts.
“Long story short, goes to Triple A, opens up in Triple A 0 for 18 with 13 punch outs. Check it out: 0 for 18, 13 punch outs,” Murphy said (Timestamp: 33:18). “They’re like, ‘Hey, Cheerio can come off the IL. What do you think? He’s 0 for 18 with 13 punch.”
“I’m like, ‘He’s ready.’ They’re like, ‘What? He hasn’t got a hit yet. He’s not even close.’ I’m like, ‘You got to know the kid,'” he added.
Jackson Chourio returned to play against the Blue Jays with Shane Bieber on the mound. Murphy said the outfielder hit a 405-footer but was robbed. However, he hit 410-fit dinger in the next pitch.
Edited by Safeer M S
