MLB Rumors: Where Five Big Names Could Land
5. Pedro Alvarez – 0.1 (2015 WAR)
Possible suitors: Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers
His beard might be more intimidating than his plate approach and his defensive skill set, but Pedro Alvarez‘s baseball career is hardly over. The former second overall draft pick can still be an asset to a club. Remember, in 2008 at age 27 it was Jose Bautista who was cast away from the Pirates as a third baseman. We all know what Joey Bats has gone on to accomplish in his career since, and Alvarez only turned 29 earlier this month.
That WAR number is not at all impressive. But in a part-time role as a potential designated hitter or platoon guy at first base, Alvarez has value. He has three seasons with 25-plus home runs and has averaged 79.5 RBI over his last four seasons. Likely to lead a team in strikeouts, it would be best for Alvarez to land with a well managed team where a skipper can pick and choose spots to use him.
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Agent Scott Boras is trying to sell the husky 250 pound Alvarez as more than just a DH, but he has shown his skills at third base are not worthy of everyday starts. The Pirates were better off with him at first base in 2014 or as a DH during interleague play last season.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports five teams have made calls on Alvarez, including the Cleveland Indians who right now have Giovanny Urshela slated to start at third and newcomer Mike Napoli at first base. Alvarez could provide insurance at both spots and could mix into regular DH at-bats when Carlos Santana needs a day off.
Oakland is another team that should look at Alvarez. The A’s love a bargain and given how long Alvarez has gone unsigned, the club will have leverage in negotiations. Alvarez doesn’t fit the “Moneyball” mould, but only Josh Reddick reached the 20 home run mark for Oakland in 2015. Again, keeping Alvarez in the AL gives a club flexibility to use him at DH.
The Brewers could be another option for a couple reasons. One, the oft-injured Aaron Hill is set to start at third base. Although a better defender, he’s an injury risk and has played only 61.2 innings at third base in the last decade. Secondly, Chris Carter is not a clear cut better option at first base. A career .217 hitter who doesn’t hit righties or lefties particularly well, Alvarez is a career .236 hitter that hits right-handers at a .246 clip.
Next: Number 4