Brewers Call Up Shortstop Prospect Cooper Pratt Ahead of Guardians Series

The Milwaukee Brewers promoted 21-year-old shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to the major leagues on Tuesday, less than two and a half months after signing him to a lucrative long-term contract. Pratt was called up from Triple-A Nashville before the Brewers opened a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians, with the team designating third baseman Luis Rengifo for assignment to create roster space.

Pratt signed an eight-year deal with Milwaukee on April 3 worth $50.75 million, which includes club options for 2034 and 2035. The contract features performance escalators that could increase its value by an additional $10 million if Pratt finishes high in MVP voting multiple times and the Brewers exercise both option years. The substantial investment reflects the organization's confidence in the young prospect's potential despite his early career stage.

The shortstop earned a Gold Glove award as the top defensive shortstop in minor league baseball in 2024 and has maintained exceptional defense throughout his professional career. His offensive development remains a work in progress, as he entered the 2026 season batting .241 with a .349 on-base percentage, six home runs, 32 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 58 games with Nashville. During the 2025 season with Double-A Biloxi, Pratt posted a .238 average with eight home runs and 62 RBIs over 120 games.

Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold expressed confidence in Pratt's overall skill set when announcing the signing. "We believe in the bat. We believe in the glove, certainly," Arnold said. "This guy is really toolsy, too. He's very athletic. He's a big, physical kid, so we think there's a chance to grow into some power. And he can really run. When you have that kind of athletic foundation, it's a really good thing."

The Brewers have struggled offensively on the left side of their infield this season, but the team still entered Tuesday leading the National League Central division by 4½ games over St. Louis while pursuing their fourth consecutive division title. David Hamilton and Joey Ortiz had been handling shortstop duties, with both players batting below .235 this season. Pratt's arrival gives Milwaukee an athletic prospect to develop while his defensive prowess provides immediate value. The Brewers also signed outfielder Luis Lara, another 21-year-old prospect, to a seven-year, $31 million deal earlier in the week.