Brewers Trading Jesus Aguilar Just as He's Getting Hot Makes No Sense

Jesus Aguilar's season for the most part has been abysmal. After making his first All-Star Game last year as part of a 35-home run campaign, he put up just a .634 OPS through his first 210 plate appearances in 2019. But since the start of July, he's been every bit the player that received a share of the MVP vote in 2018.

Aguilar has slashed .333/.386/.667 with 3 home runs in 44 plate appearances since July 1. That's why the recent rumors surrounding a possible trade from the Brewers to the Rays make absolutely no sense.

The Brewers know the type of hitter he can be, and when he is playing up to par, he gives them a strong starting option at first base. Trading him would be a massive blunder, especially considering his recent hot streak. He literally has a higher OPS in July than both Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge.

Aguilar also has a career 112 OPS+, and that's including his horrific start to this season. He's under contract until the end of the 2022 season, so the team can control him for a few more years. They'd have their work cut out for them trying to find a major league-ready first baseman with better upside than him, and Eric Thames is probably not the long-term solution.

Just like last year, they're going to have to lean on his offense as they make their push to the playoffs. Currently sitting in third place, just two games back from the division lead, the Brewers' time to make a move is now, but not one that sees them part ways with a veteran slugger.

Trading Aguilar would be the move of a club looking to sell, and with the playoffs very much in reach, it's not a good call.

If they're looking to bolster their starting staff, then they'd be better off shipping out some of their top prospects. Shipping out a proven guy who's finally gotten into a groove after a rough start to the year just wouldn't make any sense at all.