Brewers: Jesus Aguilar Is Available, But A Reunion May Be Unlikely

From 2017 into a portion of the 2019 season, Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar was a fan favorite in Milwaukee. He blasted 59 home runs over that time frame and put together an All-Star season in 2018 when he hit 35 over the wall and drove in 108 runs.

Aguilar earned his shot with the Brewers thanks to an incredible spring training in 2017. He was initially claimed off waivers from Cleveland that off-season. His goofy personality and great play at first base were just what Milwaukee fans and the clubhouse needed during those years.

Unfortunately, in 2019 he was traded at the deadline to the Rays for pitcher Jake Faria. Aguilar had just 17 extra base hits (.374 SLG) with the Brewers that year and a decreased batting average but still managed to draw 31 walks (.320 OBP).

After being designated for assignment by the Rays following the 2019 season, Aguilar was picked up by the Marlins.  He had spent nearly the last three seasons in Miami, until last Friday when he was DFA’d and made available via waivers. Yesterday, he officially cleared waivers and was released.

His stats with the Marlins in 2022 show a .236/.286/.388 slash line. He has 15 home runs and 18 doubles on the year, but his alarmingly low on base percentage is quite concerning. His strikeout rate is at 23.2% this year, which is right on par with his career average.

Should the Milwaukee Brewers look at reuniting with Jesus Aguilar? 

After the front office failed to add a bat at this year’s puzzling trade deadline, it is easy to see Jesus Aguilar’s name and assume a reunion should happen with the Brewers. Even in a down year, sometimes a change of scenery can jump start a player, not to mention the fact that Aguilar would be a great clubhouse presence, something the team could use right now.

It is impossible to know how Aguilar would perform if a reunion does occur, but the biggest thing to consider is playing time. The Brewers are currently struggling to consistently get hot-hitting Keston Hiura in the lineup, so where would Aguilar fit in?

Well, against lefties he could platoon with Rowdy Tellez at first base. This would then move Hiura to second base in such match ups. Against right-handed pitchers, Aguilar would either have to play first base or DH as he has only made a few scarce appearances at third base over the past two seasons.

Against righties, this would then potentially shift Tellez to DH and subsequently Andrew McCutchen to center field but seeing as the Brewers have not played McCutchen in center much, this may not be a reliable everyday option for the final month. This could also take away at bats from Hiura who is best suited as a DH or first baseman.

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In the end, reuniting with Aguilar this season may not be in the cards. With Tellez having a career season and September call-ups just around the corner, I would expect them to look in house for an offensive spark.