Milwaukee Brewers: Could Eric Thames be on the trading block?

Very rarely do you see a team in contention trade from their major league roster in July. However, the Milwaukee Brewers may do just that this year with Eric Thames.

After Eric Thames went on the DL towards the end of May, Jesus Aguilar took over the starting first base job. He’s done an incredible job in that role and has led some to believe Aguilar should be the starting first baseman instead of Thames.

Thames could be pushed to the outfield on a more regular basis because of this, but that only adds to the crowded outfield picture. Something needs to be done. There are too many players for not enough positions. This is a good problem to have for the organization, but it’s frustrating for the players.

July is coming up, and the Milwaukee Brewers will be looking to make some big additions. There may a situation where Thames could be a nice trade chip this summer with Aguilar playing so well.

Are other teams interested in Thames?

Oh yes. Robert Murray of Fan Rag Sports has reported in his latest notes column that there’s a good chance that Eric Thames is traded in July.

"At 42-29, the Brewers don’t exactly jump out as a team that would trade major-league talent, but there is a thought they might do just that.The player: first baseman Eric Thames.“Don’t be shocked [if he’s traded],” one league source texted recently.…We have a ways to go until the July 31 trade deadline, so a lot can happen. But it would hardly be a surprise if Thames is playing elsewhere come August 1."

Murray goes on to explain that Thames would not be a headliner in any deal, because of his age and contract, and Keston Hiura would likely have to be a part of any package in a blockbuster trade.

Does it make sense to trade Thames?

Frankly, this makes a lot of sense from the Brewers part. They have a surplus of outfielders and first basemen on this roster. There’s no way to get them all the playing time they need.

Thames is still a quality power hitter, as displayed by his two home runs against the Phillies, and he’s among the team leaders with nine long balls despite spending seven weeks on the DL.

The only other option to clear from the surplus of corner players is Domingo Santana, and his trade value is plummeting. Santana hasn’t been able to get into a power groove, or really any groove, at the plate this year. He’s seen his playing time diminish significantly this season after the acquisitions of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. But Santana isn’t worth much right now.

Thames will have the most value in a trade amongst the big leaguers the Milwaukee Brewers might be willing to part with.

Next: Rumors: "Aggressively" Targeting Starting Pitching?

Fans may question about what losing a guy like Thames in the locker room will do to team chemistry, but these players are professionals and they understand the position the team is in regarding Thames and Aguilar and the outfield.