Aguilar impact goes beyond power
MESA, ARIZ. >> The A's signed veteran first baseman Jesús Aguilar to a $3 million, oneyear contract this winter looking to add power to a lineup that severely lacked it in 2022.
The 32-year-old former Allstar has certainly proven he is capable of that to this point in his nine-year major-league career, but he offers the A's much more than just power at the plate. A bright personality, a palpable sense of humor, and, perhaps most importantly, an undeniable ability to lead made Aguilar such an integral part of the five teams he was a part of since 2014.
Now, the A's get to experience all of his shining qualities.
“He holds court in the morning on the couch, that's for sure,” A's manager Mark Kotsay quipped about Aguilar on Tuesday. “I think he's taken on that role really nicely. We do have a few younger Latin players, which is nice to have someone who is a veteran presence in there that has been in the states and been in the big leagues and can translate, can communicate, can empathize with these guys and what they go through. He's a big impact for them.”
Among position players, Aguilar is the third-oldest member on the team behind Jace Peterson and Manny Piña, both of whom were acquired over the offseason.
But no player that the A's added over the winter has the ability to be more impactful than Aguilar, who was a key piece with the Marlins over the last two and a half seasons. He hit .265 across 726 plate appearances in Miami between 2020 and 2021 before he was designated for assignment after struggling to produce through 113 games last season.
Aguilar maintains an optimistic attitude this spring with the A's, drawing comparisons between his experience with the Marlins to what he's observed in nearly a month since joining his new club.
“I like the challenge, I've been in this situation before in Miami,” Aguilar said. “I got there and where they were was almost in the same position.”
He hasn't hesitated in making his presence felt among younger players.
Working closely with Rule 5 Draft selection Ryan Noda at first base, Aguilar said he's been helping him and a number of others who have yet to make their major-league debuts stay grounded during camp, urging them to play free and loose.
“Enjoy the game, respect the game, but have fun, too,” Aguilar said. “I don't know how many young guys are going to be on the team, but hopefully they can do those three things, and hopefully they can play the game the right way.”
JJ Bleday, a former teammate of Aguilar's in Miami, attested to the mentorship Aguilar brings to the A's, lauding his leadership skills as well.
“He's a great guy to have in a clubhouse,” said Bleday. “Positive, funny and he's a gamer. He's going to go out and get serious when he needs to.”