Dodgers Sign Free Agent Infielder Hanser Alberto
Earlier this week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stressed the need to add position player depth to this roster. Doc also spoke about starting pitching when asked the biggest needs for this team, but they were clearly missing bench depth in 2021.
They solved a little bit that problem early this morning. Per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have signed infielder Hanser Alberto to a Major League deal. Rosenthal also confirmed that they were in on Josh Harrison before he signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox yesterday.
But the Alberto signing is huge for the Dodgers. He provides them with a right-handed bat and ability to play all over the infield Alberto spent time at shortstop, second base, and third base in 2021 for the Kansas City Royals.
Source confirms: Dodgers in agreement with free-agent IF Hanser Alberto on one-year deal with club option for 2023. First: @JuniorMatrille
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 13, 2022
Numbers-wise, Alberto can put together a decent season with the bat. He slashed .270/.291/.402 in 103 games for the Royals last season. But the Dodgers have to love the fact that he does not strike out a lot and puts the ball in play often. That’s Andrew Friedman’s favorite style of baseball.
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Alberto struck out in just 10.2 percent of his plate appearances last season, up slightly from 9 percent in 2019. With that kind of ability to put the bat on the ball AND play multiple infield positions, the Dodgers have a great depth piece. Alberto’s contract reportedly is for one year with a club option for the 2023 season.
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Not sure this is “huge” but it sounds like a decent pickup. 40 man is pretty crowded though. Who goes?
I have to think there will be a trade for a pitcher that will clear up some space on the roster. Otherwise they just have to let someone go. And this oretty much closes the possibility that Uncle Albert is coming back. This Alberto is younger, can play all over and also rakes againsy lefties.