Cooper Pratt's impressive resilience overshadows Brewers' rookie shortstop's postseason growing pains

Cooper Pratt is one of three Milwaukee Brewers players on the World Series roster that scored a big contract extension before making their MLB debut -- 22-year-old Jackson Chourio and 21-year-old Luis Lara are the others.

One key difference between Pratt, who turned 22 years old in August, and the likes of Chourio and Lara, is that Pratt has the responsibility of being the Brewers' shortstop. Compared to the corner outfield, where both Chourio and Lara play, shortstop has greater demands, as at all times a player's instincts, arm strength, range, and communication have to be on point for the many key defensive plays that go through the shortstop during a game.

A large reason why the Brewers were willing to make such a commitment to Pratt before he even stepped foot on a major league diamond was his mature defensive abilities. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Pratt displayed the skills in the field that gave the Brewers confidence he could be an elite defensive shortstop at the big-league level.

While the young shortstop was excellent during the regular season after his promotion in early June, Pratt’s defense has fallen short of his usual standard this postseason. He committed three errors during the NLDS, with the most costly one being a late-game throwing error on a broken-bat ground ball from Miguel Andujar that led to the San Diego Padres scoring their fourth run of what ended up being a 4–3 loss for the Brewers.

In Game 1 of the World Series, Pratt took his foot off second base on what was almost a game-ending double play, which fortunately did not end up costing the Brewers the game. Then, he added another throwing error during Game 2 of the Fall Classic, which contributed to a four-run first inning for the Tampa Bay Rays.

However, despite those costly defensive miscues, Pratt has bounced back in practically every game he's committed an error, displaying impressive resilience and maturity for a rookie competing under the bright lights of October baseball.

Cooper Pratt's ability to bounce back from defensive miscues is atypical for a rookie on baseball's biggest stage

On paper, it's easy to look at Pratt's four errors and wonder why a change to Joey Ortiz at shortstop hasn't occurred or been talked about more, but the reality is that Pratt has been resilient this postseason, always bouncing back after a mistake. This resilience is seen in several highlight-reel defensive plays, including a leaping grab to rob Jackson Merrill in Game 2 of the NLDS and a diving stop and throw to retire Fernando Tatis Jr. (video below).

Pratt also was a part of several double plays turned by the Brewers during their NLCS sweep of the Los Dodgers Dodgers, including three crucial ones during Game 1. He continued to flash the leather throughout that series, including an impressive backhanded grab to record the first out of the ninth inning in Game 4 on a ball that Tommy Edman scorched at 110 mph.

Furthering this display of resilience is the fact that Pratt hasn’t allowed his defensive struggles to carry over to the plate. He recorded at least one hit in three of the four NLDS games and delivered two multi-hit performances during the NLCS.

His biggest offensive moment, however, came in Game 2 of the World Series, after his first-inning throwing error. In the seventh inning, Pratt came through with a go-ahead opposite-field RBI-single off Tyler Wells. Earlier in Game 2, he also drew a walk after falling behind 0-2 in the count, which followed an eight-pitch walk that he drew in Game 1. Those at-bats highlight the discipline and composure the young infielder has maintained despite the pressure of the postseason and desire to make up for past mistakes by doing more at the plate.

Ultimately, Pratt has been far from perfect this postseason, but the errors don't tell the whole story. Highlight-reel defensive plays, disciplined at-bats, and timely hits have kept the narrative away from his uncharacteristic defensive struggles. For a young player, Pratt has demonstrated a level of maturity and resilience well beyond his years.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow