Which Young Star in the NL Central Is a Better Foundation Piece?
The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers were evenly matched during the regular season. The Cubs edged the Brewers in the head-to-head record by a single game, despite the last regular season series being a split. Both teams put on a show during the National League Division Series as it went the maximum five games. However, the Brewers had the last laugh as solo shots from Andrew Vaughn and Brice Turang proved to be enough to send Milwaukee to their first National League Championship Series since 2018.
Each team has a young player with enormous potential and has already shown flashes of greatness. These two teams definitely have something cooking. They could match up against each other every season for years to come. If they can put together superb supporting casts behind their young stars, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Jackson Chourio, the NL Central Division will continue to be a dogfight.
Not long ago, Crow-Armstrong and Chourio were highly touted prospects, representing the NL together at the 2023 Futures Game, and were the top-ranked prospects in their organizations in 2024. Both are exciting young players to watch. For his breakout season, the 23-year-old Crow-Armstrong gathered a .247 batting average, 31 home runs, 95 runs batted in, and 35 stolen bases. In his second season, Chourio racked up a .270 batting average, 21 home runs, 78 runs batted in, and 21 stolen bases. They have shown themselves to be quality center fielders, constant threats to steal a base, and have plenty of power to knock it over the fences. There is a lot of action every time they match up.
Before his MLB debut in 2024, the now 21-year-old phenom penned an eight-year contract to stay in Milwaukee until at least the end of the 2031 season. Unlike Chourio, the Chicago fan favorite has not signed a long-term contract to solidify his commitment and status to the storied franchise. However, with his impact on the organization and love from the fanbase, it is a perfect match. It would not be a surprise if an agreement is reached in the near future.
As they mature, the young stars may be given more responsibilities. With Crow-Armstrong, he may eventually replace Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner as the heart and soul of the team. For Chourio, he may become Christian Yelich’s successor as the franchise player and representative. They have big shoes to fill, but they are matched with their respective organizations for a reason.
