Former Pirate Pedro Alvarez Signs with Orioles

Oct 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) reacts at home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) reacts at home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Former Pirate Pedro Alvarez has signed a one year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal is reportedly worth $5.75 million dollars in base salary, with up to $1.5 million more in incentives.

Alvarez is a career .236 hitter.

Alvarez was one of the worst defensive first basemen all time last year committing a staggering 23 errors. Once a second round pick, Alvarez fell far. Over the past two seasons, the Pirates again and again were reported to be trying to trade the error prone slugger. Then the Pirates declined to offer him a contract in 2016, saving themselves $8 million in the process, and making Alvarez a free agent.

It’s not entirely clear how Alvarez fits in Baltimore at this point.  But, the Orioles are at least pleased to know Alvarez won’t pull a Dexter Fowler.

The extent to which Alvarez’s bat will be missed from the Pirates lineup is not entirely clear either.  The Pirates will be running a platoon at first base that consists of John Jaso and Michael Morse.

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