Jackson Chourio brings focus to surpassing Mike Trout's record in his rookie year with Brewers
Jackson Chourio has had a stellar rookie season helping the Milwaukee Brewers to a playoff appearance. His performance also earned him the third spot in a tight National League Rookie of the Year race. He also smashed his way to the youngest ever 20-20 season, breaking a 12-year record of 3x MVP Mike Trout.
On Instagram, Chourio posted a story that highlighted the statistic. He achieved it quicker than Trout, who did it on his 21st birthday in 2012.
Chourio reached 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs on September 13 in a 3-0 win against the San Francisco Giants. He hit an opposite-field home run on the night and achieved 20 steals on August 31.
The 20-year-old completed the season with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases. In comparison, Trout actually edged him out. The legend hit 30 home runs and stole 49 bases. He had set the stage for what would go on to be one of the best offensive decades for any player.
Jackson Chourio echoes manager Pat Murphy's trust
It wasn't all smooth sailing for Jackson Chourio, as he struggled early on in the season. But he emphatically slashed .305/.360/.528 after June 1 with 16 home runs and 15 stolen bases. He thanked manager Pat Murphy who trusted him to do well even though he was highly inexperienced.
“[Murphy] always trusted in me,” Chourio said during the MLB Awards Show. “He always told me, ‘You have to understand that this is a process for you. You’re in the big leagues. Everything is going to get better for you. Keep doing what you’re doing, working hard.’"
Chourio knew all eyes would be on him when he signed an 8-year, $82 million contract without even playing an MLB game. Even though he finished third in the ROTY standings, he will take a lot of pride as the ones ahead of him, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes and San Diego Padres' Jackson Merrill, had super seasons of their own.