Prospects Ink Record Deals Before MLB Debut

0:00On March 31st, two top shortstop prospects just made history by signing massive deals before ever stepping on a big league field. Milwaukee's CooperPrett inked an 8-year extension worth $50,750,000 with two club options on Monday. Then Tuesday, Seattle's Colt Emerson topped it with an 8-year pact for $95,000,000, the richest ever for a pre-day view player. Pratt, a sixth-round pick in 2023, climbed fast through Milwaukee's system on elite defense and contact skills, earning a minor league. Gold Glove Emerson, taken 22nd overall that same draft year, ranks as baseball's seventh best prospect with a pure-hitting stroke, sharp eye, and shortstop glove ready for the majors. This joins a rare club that started with John Singleton back in 2014, followed by guys like Iloy Jimenez, Evan White, and Lewis Robert. Junior, all with zero major league service time, Brewer's Jackson Shurio, and Tigers

1:02Cole Keefe, jumped in recently too, showing teams hunger to lock up stars early. Fast forward, and we've seen mixed results. Bus like Scott Kingery and Evan White gave way to studs like Evan Longoria, Corbin Carol and Salvador, Perez, who delivered all stars and awards right after. Even recent calls like Samuel Basallo and Roman Anthony signed big after just days or weeks up top. Teams keep betting huge on these kids, because when it hits, it builds dynasties cheap, but the risk stays real as prospects face the jump. This has been MLB News Today, powered by AI.