The Oakland A's quest to add major league talent continues.
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's are set to sign Jesus Aguilar. Bob Nightengale reported that Aguilar will earn $3 million for the 2023 season.
Oakland A's add more competition to first base battle
This move adds more depth to a position that suddenly has several intriguing options. Seth Brown had been the primary first baseman last year, but also saw time in the outfield. It is likely that he slots in either of the corner outfield spots, especially as the A's have not found an answer for Chad Pinder's departure.
The A's also appear to have a built in platoon in a pair of younger options. Left handed hitting Ryan Noda is a Rule V Draft pick that the A's have coveted for years. Dermis Garcia, a right handed hitter, has tremendous power potential.
Aguilar, however, gives the A's someone with more of a track record in the majors. He had been an All Star in 2018 when he belted 35 homers, and eclipsed the 20 home run plateau as recently as 2021. His 2022 season, where he posted a .235/.281/.379 batting line in 507 plate appearances between the Marlins and Orioles, hitting 16 homers and 19 doubles, was a disappointment.
But he is a reasonable gamble for the A's. At just $3 million, he is the type of lottery ticket that could end up paying off. If not, then he be let go of at a relatively minor cost as the A's give their younger options more playing time.
The Oakland A's have added more depth to their roster. Jesus Aguilar is the latest veteran that the A's are giving a chance.