Milwaukee Brewers: Was Chris Carter better than Eric Thames?

As everyone anxiously watches the Milwaukee Brewers compete for either a Wild Card or the chance to steal the division from the defending world champion Chicago Cubs, there is one question that seems to have finally been answered. Who is better, Chris Carter or Eric Thames?

The Milwaukee Brewers offense is currently in a slump, and at the worst possible time at that. They were just swept by the basement dwellers of the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds. Looking for an offensive boost, the Brewers need one of their big bats to step up and fast! Maybe an Eric Thames-in-April breakout could get this team going?

Last September, the Brewers were not in the race whatsoever, but then-first baseman Chris Carter put on a show. Carter, who slugged 41 home runs, would tie for the National League lead in homers with Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Looking at the seasons of Carter and Thames up to this point, they both seem to have their ups and their downs. But, in the end who which is really the better option for the Milwaukee Brewers?

Without looking at the money given or the defensive metrics, let’s see which first baseman would give the Brewers their much needed offensive boost.

Chris Carter

2016 Stats

160 games played, 122 hits, 41 home runs, 94 RBIs, .222/.321/.499, 206 strikeouts.

Carter had his obvious flaws when it came to consistency at the plate, but he clearly showed that he was productive at the plate. In 2016, He led the Milwaukee Brewers in home runs and enjoyed a breakout year.

Carter also had two extra years of arbitration, but the Brewers opted against keeping him and instead signed Eric Thames to a three-year deal worth $15 million.

Eric Thames

2017 Stats

120 games played, 98 hits, 28 home runs, 54 RBIs, 236/.348/.507, 145 strikeouts.

This is the former KBO superstar’s first year in the Major Leagues since 2012. The numbers, as you can see, are not horrible. However, When Thames is compared to Carter, the former Brewer comes out ahead.

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There is still a lot of baseball to play, and who knows, maybe Eric Thames gets hot again. This game is very challenging. For Thames to make the adjustment from the KBO, return to the U.S., and do what he has done has been great to watch. However, former Milwaukee Brewer Chris Carter is still the superior option between the two.