Sports Illustrated recently did a deep dive on the Brewers' success as a small-market team, noting their six postseason appearances since 2018. But what might be the ingredient for even more success -- perhaps even a World Series title, the outlet suggests -- is Milwaukee's focus on Latin America, which includes a new, state-of-the-art baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.
While every MLB team has an interest and presence in the Dominican Republic, the size and scope of the Brewers' new academy symbolizes their commitment to the baseball-rich country and could help them lure more top-end talent to the organization.
The $20 million academy, which can house 106 players, was completed in 2024 and boasts 1.3 million square feet of space that includes a 22-room dorm, a clubhouse, kitchen, a 3,400-square-foot gym and classrooms where players can finish high school while also studying English. The gym alone is five times the size of the one at the Brewers' previous Dominican facility.
It's enough to amaze even those already in the big leagues.
“It’s not even close. It’s not even close,” Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta told Sports Illustrated of the difference between the new complex and the old one. “I remember last offseason I stopped by and it was crazy. I was in shock. I was surprised at how everything looks there. The kitchen is huge. The weight room, the fields, everything. It’s an unbelievable place. I told them to do whatever you need to do to these guys and let them know there’s another level because they probably don’t want to come out of here. This is a beautiful place.”
The new academy is further evidence of the Brewers' investment in the region, a commitment highlighted in recent years by the signing of star outfielder Jackson Chourio in 2021 at age 16 -- and later signing him to an eight-year deal before he ever played a game in the big leagues.
“I’m very appreciative of what the Milwaukee Brewers have done for Latin American players, myself and other Latins that they have,” Chourio, a native of Venezuela, told SI.
Chourio was signed before the new academy opened, but he sees it as a major benefit to what the organization hopes to do for Dominican players.
“I think what they do is give us an opportunity to play and do a good job of opening the door for us and giving us that opportunity. The truth is that complex down in the Dominican Republic is awesome. It’s beautiful," he told SI. "When I was down there, it wasn’t quite the same. I’ve gotten the chance to go down there and it’s incredible.”
To read the full SI article, click here.