Milwaukee Brewers: Jesus Aguilar Off To A Slow Start

The Milwaukee Brewers have gotten solid offensive production from several members of their lineup so far this season. But first baseman Jesus Aguilar is not one of them.

Last year, after Eric Thames injured his thumb, Jesus Aguilar took over the Milwaukee Brewers full time first base role. He did so well, he earned a spot on the NL All-Star team, in the Home Run Derby, and replaced Thames as the everyday first baseman, even when Thames returned.

Aguilar rode an excellent first half to locking down his position heading into 2019. But his bat regressed a little bit in the second half of last year, and has yet to pick up here in the beginning of 2019.

Jesus Aguilar By The Numbers

Through 27 at-bats in the first 10 games, Aguilar has four hits, all singles, and zero home runs. His slash line of .148/.303/.148 is the worst on the team amongst the regular starters.

Aguilar has three RBIs, has walked six times, and struck out five times. The walks are a big positive, and for the most part he’s been making contact.

He’s already grounded into three double plays and has an OPS+ of 20.

Too Early To Draw Conclusions

The season is just beginning, and 27 at-bats is too small of a sample size to draw any conclusions off of. There have been some struggles for him lately, but he’s been able to work his way out of them before. Aguilar’s capable of going on some hot stretches and he just needs to adjust to the way pitchers are throwing to him.

Aguilar’s .182 BABIP is also extremely low, and displays how unlucky he’s been when he makes contact with the baseball. His 40.9% hard hit rate suggests he’s barreling up the baseball just fine, it’s just not dropping for him.

Generally speaking, clubs don’t really make conclusions on a player’s start to the season until about 100 at-bats, and we’re only a quarter of the way there.

Lack Of Other Options

First base is one of the few positions in the organization where the Milwaukee Brewers are lacking depth. Outside of Aguilar, there is Eric Thames, who has his own share of struggles he’s dealing with, and that’s about it. Ryan Braun is no longer practicing at first base and Travis Shaw has some experience over there, but he’s mostly going to play third base.

Jake Gatewood is a prospect option, but he’s still recovering from last year’s ACL surgery so he’s not playing yet.

It’s down to Aguilar and Thames at first base, and neither is off to a strong start. Aguilar is the team’s best bet for success at the position this season over Thames. Give it some time, and Aguilar will turn things around.

The Milwaukee Brewers could really use their powerful first baseman stepping up in the heart of that batting order. Aguilar will be in key spots to drive in runs all season long, and should have a strong chance to repeat his 108 RBI season from last year.