Milwaukee Brewers: Who is Jake Hager?

The Milwaukee Brewers signed Jake Hager on Tuesday afternoon. This begs a very important question: “Who is Jake Hager?”

Jake Hager was selected out of Sierra Vista High School with the 32nd overall pick in the 2011 draft. Does Sierra Vista sound familiar? It might, if you’re a Chris Carter fan. The former Milwaukee Brewers slugger also went to Sierra Vista High School.

How did Hager’s professional career go?

Well, he’s about to turn 25 years old and has never played an inning at the Major League level. His best season came in 2012 in Single-A with Bowling Green. Hager blasted 10 homers, stole 17 bases, and posted a .757 OPS in 501 plate appearances.

He spent part of 2016 and all of 2017 in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls. He owns a .228/.272/.326 slash line in 584 plate appearances.

What position does he play?

Hager has seen time in the Minors at second base, third base, and shortstop.

Could Hager make the Opening Day roster?

Honestly, a lot would have to go wrong before the Milwaukee Brewers consider Hager for the Opening Day roster. Eric Sogard, Jonathan Villar, and Mauricio Dubon would have to get hurt, suspended, or traded before Hager would find himself in line for a backup job.

So, why did the Brewers sign Hager?

The Milwaukee Brewers wanted to add depth to the upper levels of their Minor League system. They had an open spot on for an infielder at Colorado Springs, and Hager was available. His first round pedigree makes him intriguing, but he’s not going to appear on a Top 30 Prospects list or work his way onto the 40-man roster. He’s a capable glove for Triple-A, and that’s about it.

Next: How close is Jacob Nottingham to the Major Leagues?

Seeing Hager turn his career around would be awesome. If he were to suddenly become the player who was considered the 32nd best in the country, the Milwaukee Brewers would have won the lottery. However, it’s not likely to happen. Hager is here to provide depth for the Milwaukee Brewers affiliates in the upper Minors. If he spends a day on the Major League roster, a lot will have gone wrong beforehand.