After years out of the loop, MLB free agent Henderson Alvarez is attempting a comeback. Alvarez could be an interesting flyer for some pitcher needy teams.
MLB free agent Henderson Alvarez is one of those pitchers that up until being derailed by injuries was destined to be an ace.
Then 24, Alvarez had two very good seasons back to back for the Miami Marlins back in 2013 and 2014. Over those two seasons, Alvarez threw 290 innings with 4.5 fWAR and looked to be a solid mid-rotation option. He was also named to the All-Star team in 2014.
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Armed with a fastball that averaged 93, slider, and changeup, Alvarez induced strong ground ball rates over 50%. He also maintained solid command not walking many hitters but not striking many out either.
Alvarez is now 29 and hasn’t pitched on an MLB mound since a stint with the Phillies in 2017. He had a number of surgeries and other ailments that derailed his promising breakout 2014 season.
This past year, he was in the Mexican League and then at the Nationals AAA affiliate but was unable to crack the bigs.
Now, Alvarez is a free agent and showcasing himself on twitter hoping for another opportunity.
There are reports that the New York Yankees, who have already seen Luis Severino and James Paxton go down with injuries, are interested in seeing what Alvarez can do. The Royals and Marlins have also scouted Alvarez, who could be a leader for younger guys and could be a trade chip if he proves to be healthy.
MLB free agent Henderson Alvarez was good enough to be an All-Star and that form should still be inside of him somewhere. Of course, the last time Alvarez was good, the Marlins had Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Christian Yelich in the same outfield.
Whether Alvarez will be good or not is an open question but someone needs to sign him and find out.