The Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames to a three-year contract with a club option for 2020.
“Eric brings to the organization a left-handed power bat that is a good fit for our lineup,” said General Manager David Stearns. “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.”
Thames just turned 30-years-old (Nov. 10), spent the last three seasons playing for the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), where he hit .348 with 124 HR, 379 RBI and 64 stolen bases in 388 games. He hit .317 with 40 HR, 118 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 121 games this season.
Thames was named KBO Most Valuable Player in 2015 as he produced the first 40/40 season in league history and won the batting title, hitting .381 with 47 HR, 140 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 142 games.
Thames was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft and hit .250 with 21 HR and 62 RBI in 181 Major League games with Toronto (2011-12) and Seattle (2012).
The Brewers designated Carter for assignment and have 10 days to work out a trade. Carter hit .222 with 41 HR and 94 RBI in 160 games during his only season in Milwaukee.