MLB Insider Breaks Down A’s Recent Signing

The Oakland Athletics brought in a key piece on Tuesday afternoon, signing veteran slugger and first baseman Jesus Aguilar to a one-year, $3 million deal.

The 32-year-old split time between the Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles in 2022, hitting .235 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI.

He also had an on-base percentage of .281, a slugging percentage of .379, an OPS of .661, and an OPS+ of 86.

And so, the A’s get a little extra power in their lineup that was sorely lacking in 2022.

This morning, MLB insider Jon Morosi stopped by MLB Network to break down the A’s latest signing, discussing what it means for both Aguilar and the A’s as the 2023 season approaches.

Jesús Aguilar and the A’s have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal.@jonmorosi breaks down the addition and where the slugger could slot into the lineup. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/Giqxug9RBY

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 25, 2023

Morosi discussed how the A’s were second-to-last in the American League in runs scored and were in desperate need of some power.

With Sean Murphy being traded away to the Atlanta Braves, the need for power was even more obvious.

Morosi stated that with Murphy gone, Aguilar could slot right into the heart of the A’s order, potentially hitting third or fourth in the lineup.

He also stated that over the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the veteran slugger had an OPS+ of 113 in 182 games.

Though 2022 was a down year for the slugger, there is still plenty of upside and could bridge the gap for top prospect Tyler Soderstrom, who is also a first baseman and could arrive as soon as 2024.

Oakland won just 60 games in 2022 and finished with the second-worst record in the Major Leagues, with only the Washington Nationals having a worse record.