March 7, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Eric Thames (10) in the first inning during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Brewers continued the reshaping of their team by signing free agent Eric Thames and designating Chris Carter for assignment. Thames, who signed a three-year contract with a club option for 2020, is expected to play first base for Milwaukee.
Thames, 30, played in Korea the last three seasons with the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). In 2016, he hit .317 with 40 home runs, 118 RBI and 13 steals in 121 games. In 388 career KBO games, Thames .348 with 124 homers, 379 RBI and 64 stolen bases in 388 games.
Thames previously played in the major leagues from 2011-12 with Toronto and Seattle, batting .250 with 21 home runs in 181 games. He also played in the Baltimore and Houston organizations, the latter when current Brewers general manager David Stearns was in the Astros' front office.
"Eric brings to the organization a left-handed power bat that is a good fit for our lineup," Stearns said in a statement. "His ability to play first base along with both corner outfield positions adds versatility to the roster. Eric has been extremely impressive over his last three seasons in Korea, and we look forward to his return to the major leagues in 2017."
Carter, who is right-handed and turns 30 in December, was signed as a free agent after three years in Houston and three in Oakland. In his lone season with the Brewers, Carter led the National League in both home runs (41) and strikeouts (206) while batting .222 with 94 RBI.
