Eric Thames almost didn’t happen for the Milwaukee Brewers. He failed to impress in Spring Training, and only posted a .771 OPS. Jesus Aguilar nearly won the starting first base job with a torrid Spring. They managed to work out a platoon in early April, and Thames took off.
How awesome was Eric Thames in April?
Well, he only hit 11 homers and posted a .345/.466/.810 slash line in 24 games. Thames had one fewer run scored, 28, than he had hits in April, 29. He started the season absolutely on fire, and appeared to be a clear front runner for the MVP award.