Eric Thames

Former major league first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames has announced his retirement from baseball.

Fantasy Impact

It was definitely a winding road for Thames during his professional baseball career. After scuffling early in his MLB career, Thames spent three seasons in Korea where he absolutely mashed with 124 home runs while winning the 2015 KBO MVP with a .381 average and 1.287 OPS that season. He returned to the big leagues to swat 72 home runs over 383 games with the Brewers from 2017-2019 before finishing up his MLB career with the Nationals in 2020.

Athletics designated hitter Eric Thames was held hitless in two at-bats Friday in the Athletics' 10-8 win over the Angels.

Fantasy Impact

Thames will get plenty of opportunities this spring to attempt to claim a spot in the Athletics everyday lineup.

Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle reports veteran 1B/OF Eric Thames is signing a Minor League deal with the Oakland A's.

Fantasy Impact

Thames only played 10 games in Japan in 2021 following a disappointing 2020 where he hit just .203 with 3 HR in 140 plate appearances. He doesn't figure to be very fantasy relevant in 2022 unless fellow 1B Matt Olson is traded.

The Nationals declined their portion of Eric Thames' $4 million mutual option for 2021.

Fantasy Impact

Thames will instead receive a $1 million buyout. The 33-year-old posted a weak .617 OPS this past summer. Thames will likely look for a platoon role in free agency.

Nationals first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames is dealing with a tight left calf but should be able to appear in some games this weekend, according to manager Dave Martinez.

Fantasy Impact

Thames has displayed his power over the last few seasons but has had troubles with both injuries and consistency. He will have a chance to carve out a roll with the Nationals as a left-handed bat against right-handed pitching this year.