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MLB Trade Rumors: Pedro Alvarez might seek trade

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) fields a ground ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Brandon Moss (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) fields a ground ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Brandon Moss (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Pedro Alvarez is open to being traded this offseason as he is seeking a change of scenery from Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are already shopping numerous players, including Mark Melancon and Neil Walker. Another player who they could explore trading is infielder Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez would likely welcome a trade as he seeks a change of scenery from Pittsburgh, where he seems to no longer fit in. The Pirates tried moving him from third base to first base, but it didn’t work and he was relegated to the bench while the Pirates lost the Wild Card game to the Chicago Cubs.

If the Pirates cannot trade Alvarez, they could non-tender him. He’s projected to get over $8,000,000 in arbitration next season. That could be more than the budget-conscious Pirates are willing to pay for a guy who they don’t fully trust to play full-time. That money could be spent in better ways.

Pedro Alvarez could have numerous suitors should the Pirates try to trade him. He has a ton of power and could easily hit 30 home runs a season if he plays at the right ballpark. He hit 27 home runs in 150 games last season with 77 RBIs and a .243 batting average. He had an on-base percentage of .318 and a slugging percentage of .469. He also had 131 strikeouts in 437 at bats.

His ability to play either third base or first base could intrigue multiple teams. He’d likely intrigue American League teams because he might be best off as a designated hitter. He struggled defensively at both first base and third base. His bat is good enough that MLB teams have to consider if his bat is worth his defensive deficiencies. He committed 23 errors at first base in 2015.

Pedro Alvarez had a .787 OPS in 2015. He hit a career high 36 home runs and had a career high 100 RBIs in 2013.

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