Fansided

Each MLB team’s most surprising player from April

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a two-run homer in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a two-run homer in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Brewers: Eric Thames

No one knew what to expect from Korean sensation Eric Thames when he came back to MLB after three years abroad destroying the KBO. A reasonable guess would have pegged Thames for 25-30 home runs with a slash line in the neighborhood of .260/.330/.500. The Brewers obviously expected him to transition back to MLB without a hitch after letting Chris Carter, the 2016 NL home-run leader, go and guaranteeing Thames $16 million over three years.

What Thames has done so far this season has been eye-opening. He hit .345/.466/.810 in April with 11 home runs and 19 RBI. Thames also drew 18 walks as teams were hesitant to pitch to him. This impossibly hot start came out of nowhere.

Thames did most of his damage against the Reds and their mediocre pitching staff. He batted .440/.576/1.400 with eight home runs against the Reds in April. Why they continued pitching to him is beyond comprehension. Lest you get the impression that Thames struggled against the better teams, he batted .471/.571/.882 in five games against the Cubs.

The fact that Thames has barely swung at any pitches outside of the strike zone has helped fuel his hot start. Playing in Korea where pitchers rely heavily on junk and deception to get outs instead of velocity may have helped Thames hone his approach at the plate. He has refused to get himself out so far, and has been more than happy to take a walk if pitchers will not challenge him. Whether or not this can continue remains to be seen, but Eric Thames is coming off one of the best Aprils by a hitter in MLB history, and no one saw that coming in their wildest dreams.

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