Key facts
- Luis Lara, a prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers, has signed a seven-year contract.
- The deal guarantees Lara $31 million, with incentives potentially doubling the amount.
- Lara is currently playing for Triple-A Nashville, where he is batting .338 with seven home runs.
- He is recognized as a strong defensive outfielder, having won a Gold Glove last year.
- The Brewers have previously signed other shorter players to significant contracts.
Milwaukee Brewers prospect Luis Lara has signed a seven-year contract, signaling the team's confidence in his abilities despite his smaller stature. The deal, which includes club options for 2033, 2034, and 2035, reportedly guarantees him $31 million with incentives that could significantly increase the total earnings.
Lara, an outfielder from Venezuela, expressed his appreciation for the support he has received throughout his career, noting that more people have believed in him than have doubted him. He highlighted that the contract negotiations were swift, beginning about two weeks prior to the signing.
This contract is another instance of the Brewers investing in smaller players, following similar moves with infielders Caleb Durbin and Jett Williams. Lara is currently having a strong season with Triple-A Nashville, boasting a .338 batting average, seven home runs, and 19 stolen bases in 57 games. He also earned a Gold Glove last year for his defensive prowess.
The deal draws parallels to that of outfielder Jackson Chourio, who signed an eight-year, $82 million contract before making his major league debut and has since become a key player for the Brewers. Despite the significant contract, Lara remains grounded, emphasizing his commitment to continued hard work to reach the major leagues.