Jesus Aguilar started his Milwaukee Brewers career as a waiver claim in spring training of 2017. He slugged his way on to a roster spot that year and saw most of time in a pinch hit role while Eric Thames crushed the competition. Aguilar did well in the role and hit 16 home runs.
Last year, Thames was once again the starter at first base and Aguilar was primed for a bench role again. Then Thames injured his thumb and went on to miss six weeks. Aguilar took over first base and just wouldn’t stop hitting, eventually earning the starting spot even when Thames returned healthy.