Milwaukee Brewers: Jesus Aguilar Should Make the Opening Day Roster

It may come down to the final spot on the Milwaukee Brewers’ 25-man roster, but Jesus Aguilar needs to be at Miller Park on Opening Day.

As part of their rebuild, the Milwaukee Brewers continue to collect as much talent as possible. They’ll even grab a high-potential bat with seemingly no place to play him.

Milwaukee did just that. Now the Brewers should find a role for this captivating talent.

Considering his intriguing minor league resume and a superb Spring Training tryout, Jesus Aguilar deserves a role on the 2017 big league club. Even if he’s only getting a handful of at-bats per week, Aguilar can be a complementary piece with value off the bench.

The Brewers’ starting first baseman, Eric Thames, bats from the left side. So does his primary backup, third baseman Travis Shaw. Aguilar would be the perfect fit as righty to face tough starting southpaws and the key power threat as a pinch-hitter.

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Aguilar was designated for assignment in January to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. He was blocked by a crowded Cleveland Indians‘ troupe that won the American League pennant last season.

Always on the lookout for value, GM David Stearns swooped in to claim the 26-year-old first baseman. Some were confused by the move since Stearns had just signed Thames to a 3-year, $16 million deal.

But the Brewers couldn’t pass up Aguilar’s promising stick.

Last year in triple-A Columbus, Aguilar blasted 30 home runs (best in the league) and added 26 doubles in just 137 games. He followed that up with a .586 slugging percentage and 1.018 OPS in the Venezuelan Winter League.

In 2014, Aguilar slugged .511 with a .905 OPS in triple-A. On top of his 19 homers and 31 doubles, Aguilar produced a .395 OBP thanks to 64 walks and a .305 average.

That power and discipline combo has made frequent appearances this spring in Arizona. In his first 12 Cactus League games this year, Aguilar owns a 1.447 OPS.

The right-handed masher has a .462/.563/.885 slash line during this small spring sample, collecting 3 home runs, 2 doubles and 6 walks to go with a mere 3 strikeouts.

While Spring Training numbers always need to be taken with a grain of salt, Aguilar can’t do much more to state his case.

If the Brewers want to keep Aguilar in the organization, he probably needs to make the Opening Day roster. Aguilar is out of minor league options, which means Milwaukee would need to put him on waivers before sending him down.

It’s likely another team would snatch him up and the Brewers would lose Aguilar completely.

In weighing the pros and cons of keeping Aguilar when the team heads north, there are a couple of possible concerns in play.

For one, he has only 64 MLB plate appearances in his career, and he’s done nothing with them (.424 OPS). It would be rather unfair to judge him with those sporadic opportunities.

The more immediate issue may be in the Milwaukee Brewers’ roster construction. Can an NL team carry a backup who only plays first base? In most cases, the answer would be “no.”

However, this club’s versatility allows manager Craig Counsell to carry this type of weapon. Milwaukee has a number of players that cover various parts of the field.

Hernan Perez is the team’s super utility man. He can effectively handle every position other than catcher (though maybe he can catch). Perez’s ability alone makes Aguilar’s inclusion more feasible.

You can also throw in Thames into the utility section, as he has experience playing the outfield. That was one draw to acquiring Thames instead of keeping NL home run champ, Chris Carter.

Thames’ outfield familiarity gives Aguilar a home at first base whenever Counsell wants to go that direction with both men in the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Brewers also already have a trustworthy backup shortstop on the active roster. Starting second baseman Jonathan Villar can slide over to the other side of second to give Orlando Arcia a spell. Villar was a mostly solid piece at shortstop last season.

Plus, Milwaukee still has the option of keeping a guy like Yadiel Rivera who plays fantastic defense around the infield. There are plenty of moving pieces Counsell can utilize even if Aguilar takes up a spot in the majors.

It’s a high-ceiling move with low risk attached.

One interesting factor could play a role in the final say. If Stearns and Counsell go with Rivera and Aguilar, that would mean Scooter Gennett isn’t on the MLB roster. At least, not the Brewers’ big league 25-man group.

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It could very well come down to Rivera, Gennett and Aguilar to determine the last two spots on the bench. Keep in mind, Rivera and Gennett can both be kept in the minor leagues without risk.

Many times, these options play a large role in making final roster decisions. If the Brewers are looking at the most depth they can, Gennett or Rivera would likely be heading to triple-A Colorado Springs.

If this were my call, there is no doubt Aguilar starts the season in Milwaukee. Should he struggle or the Brewers need something else to help the club, then he can be put on waivers.

At this point, Aguilar’s value is high in that 1) he is insurance for Thames (who is unproven in MLB) and 2) right-handed power is still coveted across the league.

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The decision Stearns and Counsell make probably won’t determine a playoff berth for the Milwaukee Brewers. However, it would make the club better in 2017 and give fans a glimpse into the minds of their manager and GM.

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