Liquid aeration
N-Ext Air-8™ Liquid Aeration is designed to create space in the soil, increase water penetration, and encourage deeper rooting to drive more oxygen into the topsoil profile. One gallon covers up to 21,300 sq ft Analysis is 0-0-5::N-P-K Contains 8% Humic Acid Great for hard compacted soil...
yardmastery.com
Or a starter fert with liquid aeration... I used this and was very impressed with the color.
N-Ext 16-21-2 GreenePOP™ is a liquid starter fertilizer. If you are seeding or sodding your lawn, this is your foundation product. It's also great for existing lawns if you need a good dose of phosphorus to correct a deficiency. Also includes liquid aeration in the mix. One gallon covers up to...
yardmastery.com
Mechanical aeration is better when you get the area done at a high level. A liquid will get 100% of the soil aerated vs just where the plugs are. Also I don't have to dick around with the machine.
Another pro to the liquid is you don't have to worry about hitting a sprinkler head and ruining the sprinkler head.
Don't do a mechanical aeration in the spring. Your preemergent basically makes a barrier so weeds don't come up. You mechanically aerate it you basically break that barrier and ruin your preemergent.