Oakland Athletics Sign Veteran First Baseman

The Oakland Athletics have signed Eric Thames to a minor league contract.

This is a pretty interesting minor league contract, as Thames had a lot of success during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 383 games over three seasons with the team, he had 72 home runs and 161 RBIs. If he can replicate those kinds of power numbers with the Athletics, he could be a very nice addition. However, he of course needs to make their major league roster first.

Thames last played in the majors during the 2020 season with the Washington Nationals. With Washington, he struggled, as he had four home runs, 12 RBIs, and a .203 batting average in 41 games. From there, he signed with the Yomiuri Giants of NPB, but ruptured his Achilles during the first game of the season and did not return.

Now, for the 2022 campaign, he will be attempting a comeback with his hometown team. Matt Olson is also on the trading block, so it could open the door for Thames to push for a spot on the roster. Time will tell on that front.

In 605 games between the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Brewers, and Nationals, he has 96 home runs, 235 RBIs, and a .241 batting average.