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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Pedro Alvarez

By Brendan Dlubala

Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) is greeted after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) is greeted after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pedro Alvarez
Sep 26, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Houston Astros – American League West

The Houston Astros are the wild card on this list. Many would think after the acquisition of Josh Reddick and Brian McCann that they wouldn’t need to go out and get someone like Pedro Alvarez. However, the Astros have been surrounded by numerous rumors that suggest they will be highly active this offseason and aren’t done just yet.

Alvarez would fit their plans in a creative way. They have McCann and Evan Gattis as their potential catching options since Jason Castro left for Minnesota and both players could also serve as designated hitters. But, the Astros current outfield has a huge hole in left field where Gattis could play and serve full-time. George Springer is likely to play center field with Josh Reddick in right. This leaves Jake Marisnick to man left field.

Marisnick, although a great defender, is pretty underwhelming at the plate. In 2016, he batted .209/.257/.331 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 118 games. Compare that Gattis’s 32 home runs, 72 RBI and .251/.319/.508 slash line and it becomes obvious that Gattis would be a better option offensively.

Gattis also wouldn’t be completely useless in left field. Houston’s left field is short with a high wall which makes it relatively easy to defend. In 2016, Gattis posted a minus-4 DRS but only a minus-0.9 UZR in the left corner. With a bit more work and better positioning, he could likely be an average left fielder for the ‘Stros. Plus, with his bat in the lineup, Houston should be able to swallow any minor mishaps defensively bu the right-handed slugger.

With Gattis in LF and McCann catching, Pedro Alvarez would be free to play designated hitter. He would complement the lineup and join Reddick and McCann as the left-handed batters while guys like Gattis and Springer join Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve as the right-handed hitters. Overall, his addition to the lineup would make it more threatening considering his big-time power.

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