MLB Rumors: Scherzer concern, Braves sign slugger, Astros controversy

By Mark Powell | Jun 15, 2023

Jun 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) argues with umpire Dan Iassogna (58) during the tenth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Mar 2, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Jesus Aguilar (99) flies out in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs during a Spring Training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Rumors: Braves steal another former Oakland Athletics slugger

Atlanta signed former All-Star first baseman Jesus Aguilar on Wednesday, who previously spent time with the Oakland Athletics. Alex Anthopoulos has made a habit of acquiring for A’s, including trades for Sean Murphy and Matt Olson.

Aguilar is of a different variety, of course. He signed a one-year prove it contract this offseason in Oakland, but his relatively low average and power output allowed the A’s to turn over the first base position to impressive Rule 5 pick Ryan Noda.

Aguilar slashed just .221/.281/.385 with five homers in 115 plate appearances with Oakland. He’s set to turn 33 years old later this season. MLB Trade Rumors explained what the A’s saw in Aguilar when they signed him initially, and perhaps what the Braves are hoping for this time around:

"“During that 2017-21 peak, Aguilar was an All-Star (2017) and consistent power threat, topping out with a career-high 35 dingers back in 2018. At his best, Aguilar walked between 10-11% of his plate appearances and kept his strikeouts at or south of the league’s average rate. In 2023, he walked at a sub-par 7% clip and fanned in 27.5% of his plate appearances while delivering career-worst marks in average exit velocity (86.7 mph) and hard-hit rate (29.3%).”"

Atlanta doesn’t have room for Aguilar on the roster currently. Olson plays a solid first base, while Marcell Ozuna has locked up the DH spot with a hot June. Aguilar reported to Gwinnett, where he’ll play first base and serve as stashed depth, just in case.

Home/MLB Rumors