Rays Release Former Brewers Slugger Jesus Aguilar After Trading for Reds' Brian O'Grady

The number-crunchers upstairs with the Tampa Bay Rays have found out that slugging first baseman Jesus Aguilar wasn't worthy of bringing back for the 2020 season.

Aguilar, who was acquired in a midseason trade as Tampa pushed closer to the playoffs, was designated for assignment on Wednesday. This comes after the Rays acquired Cincinnati Reds first baseman Brian O'Grady for a player to be named later and cash.

The Rays have acquired 1B/OF Brian O’Grady from the Reds in exchange for a player to be named and cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, 1B Jesús Aguilar was designated for assignment.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 27, 2019

After barely playing in three seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Aguilar instantly became a starting first baseman with the Milwaukee Brewers. In his second year at Miller Park, Aguilar hit 35 home runs and drove in 108 runs, making an All-Star team.

His 2019 season got off to a painfully slow start, and he was traded to the Rays in the middle of the year. Aguilar's performance improved in Tampa Bay (four home runs, .261 average in 37 games), but it wasn't enough to convince Kevin Cash to keep him around in 2020.

Jesus Aguilar is a 29-yr-old 1B with 47 home runs over last two seasons, but he bats right-handed. He's a first-time arbitration eligible this offseason. https://t.co/X6GLMLdVji
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) November 27, 2019

Not stunningly, if you know how the Rays operate, he was also due a raise this offseason.

Aguilar has plenty of thunder in his bat, but he'll need to show that he's more than just a one-hit wonder for any team to fork over any significant amount of cash.