The Milwaukee Brewers are close to signing a long-term eight-year contract with top prospect Cooper Pratt.

Two years ago, the Milwaukee Brewers made history by signing Jackson Chourio to a long-term extension before he had even played a single day in the major leagues. Now, the team is poised to secure another top prospect.

The focus this time is 21-year-old infielder Cooper Pratt, ranked as the Brewers' No. 4 prospect and No. 62 overall by MLB Pipeline. According to multiple sources reporting to MLB.com, he is about to sign an eight-year contract with guaranteed money slightly exceeding $50 million, plus two team options worth at least $15 million each year. As first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the guaranteed amount is $50.75 million.

The Brewers have not confirmed these reports. The team's policy is not to discuss contract matters for players or staff with the media.

"I feel I've prepared well for the season and hope to get into form early, to reach that stage as quickly as possible," Pratt said last week in Milwaukee while packing for minor league camp. "I'd say I'm confident, but it's all up to God's plan. I believe I have the ability to play in the majors, and when the time comes, I'll be ready."

Although the Brewers have not made an official statement, the news spread quickly and sparked discussion in the locker room.

"When Chourio signed, what we saw was that the contract gave him freedom, allowing him to play purely," said a Brewers coach who requested anonymity due to the deal not being official. "For Pratt, knowing there's nothing to worry about, he can freely go to the batting cage, work with the hitting coach, and adjust his mechanics."

"We all know his defensive ability. He could defend in the majors right now. No one doubts that. We're not talking about a project that needs polishing."

Pratt's tentative contract sounds familiar because Chourio's deal was also finalized during the 2023 Winter Meetings, also an eight-year term with two team options. Chourio's $82 million guaranteed contract set a record for a player with no major league experience, having played only six games above Double-A at that time.

Pratt has never played above Double-A before being assigned to Triple-A Nashville to start the new season. Last year in the Southern League, he posted a .238 batting average, .343 on-base percentage, and .348 slugging percentage, while demonstrating major league-caliber defense. The Brewers selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 draft from high school, signing him for $1.35 million, over $1 million above the slot value for that round, reflecting the team's smart strategy of allocating draft pool funds toward high-potential players in the middle rounds.

This is Pratt's second year participating in major league spring training, and last week he also played in two exhibition games with the major league team against the Reds.

"This is a 21-year-old with immense potential. If his hitting develops, he could be a monster," said Brewers major league field coordinator Nestor Corredor. "In my humble opinion, if he can hit .250 with 15 home runs in the majors, paired with that defense, it's worth it."

The question is his hitting, which is why events like the World Baseball Classic are so beneficial for players like Pratt. With shortstop Joey Ortiz and second baseman Brice Turang representing Mexico and the U.S. respectively in the Classic, Pratt played 18 games for the Brewers in the Cactus League, ranking third on the team in appearances. Additionally, he received many extra at-bats in simulated games on the back fields.

"At this stage, what most young players need most is game experience. That's what benefits him the most," said Brewers lead hitting coach Eric Theisen. "He's starting to make progress in his approach, beginning to understand his strengths and how opponents might attack him. It's about game sense. He definitely has a good bat."

His glove is top-tier. "From my experience working with him on defense, his defensive mechanics are very stable and reliable, comparable to anyone in our organization," said Brewers third base coach and infield instructor Matt Erickson. "Joey Ortiz is a great defender, right? If there's anyone in our organization who can come close to Joey, it's definitely Pratt."

Pratt is essentially a shortstop, but Erickson wasn't opposed to him getting some playing time at second base later in spring training. Erickson said Pratt practiced only a few times and went from unfamiliar to comfortable, completing double-play turns on the other side.

"What's not to like?" said Brewers manager Pat Murphy. "He has talent. He's a baseball player, and a good baseball player. He still has a path to travel, needs to grow. But he's a great person, a hard-working player. I hope I'm still here when he reaches the majors."