Jesus Aguilar was one of the most productive players for the Miami Marlins in recent seasons.
He is no longer part of the organization, though, as the free-agent-to-be was designated for assignment by the Fish on Friday.
He wasn’t really having a good 2022: he was slashing .236/.286/.388 with 15 homers and a .674 OPS.
His .592 OPS after the break had made him a liability.
If nobody claims him via waivers, he will likely get released and find a new club to play in the final month of the season.
Kim Ng, the Marlins’ general manager, commented about Aguilar and his immediate future.
“The #Marlins have DFA’d Jesús Aguilar and reinstated Garrett Cooper from the IL pregame. Kim Ng spoke to the media cohort, said their hope for Agui is to get picked up by a playoff team where he can contribute,” MLB’s Paige Leckie tweeted.
The #Marlins have DFA’d Jesús Aguilar and reinstated Garrett Cooper from the IL pregame.
Kim Ng spoke to the media cohort, said their hope for Agui is to get picked up by a playoff team where he can contribute.
— paige (@paige_leckie) August 26, 2022
Aguilar Could Help A Contender
Indeed, in the right situation, Aguilar can be of use for a contending team.
He has experience, he has loads of power, and with the right coaching and advice, he could regain the level that made him a 35-homer hitter in 2018.
He has a .797 OPS and a 113 wRC+ (100 is league average) against left-handed hitters over his career, for example, and isn’t a big liability against righties.
In any case, playing for a team vying for a playoffs spot could revitalize Aguilar’s career and motivate him enough to work on his craft and pay dividends for the team that takes a chance on him.
He has had success before, not long ago, and could help a team in need.
The Marlins are expected to move on with Garrett Cooper and Lewin Diaz at first base.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals A Surprising Jesus Aguilar Update
