Potential DFA Candidates The Pittsburgh Pirates Should Look Into

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Pittsburgh Pirates, Potential Target, Alford
(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Anthony Alford

The Blue Jays have two former outfield prospects with no options left. This is one, Anthony Alford, of them. He was a consensus top 40 prospect not that long ago back in 2016 and was still ranked in the top 100 going into 2018. MLB Pipeline even ranked him as the 44th best prospect in ‘18.

Alford hasn’t had a really good season since 2017 when he batted .310/.406/.429 with 24 stolen bases and a 135 wRC+ in 289 plate appearances at AA-ball. But Alford has struggled since getting to Triple-A. In 2018, Alford posted a .656 OPS, and 87 wRC+ at AAA. The 25-year-old posted better, but still unspectacular numbers in 2019 at Triple-A. In 319 plate appearances, Alford slashed .259/.343/.411 and 95 wRC+.

The major leagues have not been as kind to him. Although he only has 59 plate appearances, he has just 8 hits, two of which were extra-base hits. However, Alford is still considered a decent defensive outfielder. He was given good grades throughout the minors and has some solid major league numbers to back it up. In 141 innings, Alford has +1 DRS, and .4 UZR. Alford has a 50 grade for his fielding with a future grade of 55. If Alford is DFA’ed, the Pirates should definitely take a shot at the former top 50 prospect. He would be a better option than Guillermo Heredia.