Baltimore Orioles could consider a trade with the Brewers for Eric Thames

The Baltimore Orioles still need to fill a few position on the roster before Opening Day arrives on March 29.

One of the positions that the Baltimore Orioles need to fill is right field. Yes, they have a few minor league player along with Joey Rickard and Mark Trumbo, but an athletic player with a big bat would be nice.

I’d like to offer the idea that the Orioles make a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for Eric Thames.

Why the Brewers don’t need him

The Brewers recently acquired two good outfielders, Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. At this point, the Brew Crew actually has too many men who are outfielders. They need to find a spot to put their franchise player, Ryan Braun. First base has been discussed as a landing spot, but that is where Thames is penciled in, too.

Braun is signed through 2021 with the Brewers, but Thames has yet to even reach arbitration despite technically being a free agent. Braun, therefore, becomes the priority for the Brewers. So, Thames becomes a logical choice for a trade. Thames is signed for three more years with the Brewers, but for a manageable $18.5 million total.

Why the O’s could use him

Thames would fit nicely on the Orioles. He stands 6’0 and weighs 210. He turned 31 in November, returning to the MLB after a few seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays out of Pepperdine University in 2008 and made his debut with them in 2011. He also played for the Seattle Mariners before heading off to Korea.

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Thames is a corner outfielder by trade. With Trey Mancini doing well in left field, Thames could manage right field just fine. He played the majority of his games with Milwaukee at first base, but his previous seasons with other teams, he spent his time in the outfield.

Along with Thames ability to play the outfield corners, he bats from the left side. With the Brewers, he had an outstanding season at the plate batting .247/.359/.518. He hit 31 home runs and 26 doubles. Miller Park is a hitter-friendly park, but it is not a triples-friendly park.

History with the O’s

Interestingly, the Orioles were once in possession of Thames’ contract. In 2013, the Orioles acquired him in exchange for Ty Kelly. But, the O’s put him on waivers and the Houston Astros took him. At age 26, Thames played for the Norfolk Tides and a few games in the Rookie League in Sarasota, Florida.

Next: Manny Machado will play shortstop in 2018

The Brewers are packed with depth everywhere but shortstop. The Orioles just signed Engelb Vielma and they have a few other middle infielders like Luis Sardinas and Ruben Tejada who could help the Brewers in their one weak spot.