Eric Thames, a left-handed power hitter, began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Toronto Blue Jays. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Thames made his debut with the Blue Jays in 2011. During his rookie season, he quickly demonstrated his ability to hit for power, finishing the year with 12 home runs and a .262 batting average over 95 games. His performance showed promise, but he faced challenges in maintaining a consistent presence in the lineup.
In 2012, Thames was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he continued to showcase his power-hitting capabilities. However, his time with the Mariners was short-lived, as he struggled to find a permanent spot on the roster. After a brief stint with the Baltimore Orioles organization, Thames decided to take his talents overseas, signing with the NC Dinos of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2014.
Thames's career took a significant turn in South Korea. Over three seasons with the NC Dinos, he became one of the league's most feared sluggers. In 2015, he achieved a rare feat by hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases, earning him the KBO League Most Valuable Player award. His success in the KBO revitalized his career and caught the attention of MLB teams.
In 2017, Thames returned to the MLB, signing a three-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. His return was marked by an explosive start; he hit 11 home runs in April, tying the franchise record for the most home runs in a single month. Thames finished the 2017 season with 31 home runs, solidifying his role as a key player in the Brewers' lineup.
Thames continued to be a valuable asset for the Brewers over the next two seasons, providing power and versatility both at first base and in the outfield. In 2019, he hit 25 home runs and helped the Brewers reach the postseason. Despite his contributions, the Brewers declined his option for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.
In January 2020, Thames signed with the Washington Nationals. However, the 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, proved challenging for many players, including Thames. He struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, finishing the season with a .203 batting average and three home runs over 41 games.
Following the 2020 season, Thames opted to return to Asia, signing with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. Unfortunately, his time in Japan was cut short due to an Achilles injury, which sidelined him for the entire season.
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