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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
Jul 3, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals mascot Slugger celebrates after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kansas City Royals – American League Central

Pedro Alvarez just seems like a Kansas City Royal signing. He’s cheap and still has potential to be tapped and Kansas City’s coaching staff seems to have a knack for getting players to reach their ceilings.

The Royals also happen to need a designated hitter after Kendrys Morales signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Morales spent the last two season with the Royals and found quite a bit of success there. In 2015, the switch hitter managed to bat .290/.362/.485 with 22 home runs and 106 RBI. He followed it up with 30 homers and 93 RBI in 2016 with a slash-line of .263/.327/.468.

While the Royals continue to plan for Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, and Wade Davis to become free agents, they could save a lot of money by signing Pedro Alvarez while still filling the void at DH. He would give them the left-handed power that Morales did while also not jeopardizing their payroll for years to come.

As a left-handed batter, Morales slugged 19 home runs in 2016 while Alvarez, a full-time lefty, homered 22 times. Yes, Morales is a better overall designated hitter, but Alvarez also matches the aggressive nature of Kansas City’s lineup. He swings hard and swings a lot which has been a staple for the Royals’ offense for the past few years. And remember, this organization went to the World Series in 2014 and won it in 2015.

Signing Pedro Alvarez is the ultimate Kansas City Royals move. He would be cheap and fit into any future plans to retain Eric Hosmer or Wade Davis while also replacing the production that Kendrys Morales was responsible for. He would also join a lineup that would welcome his aggressive approach at the plate which could in-turn, make him more comfortable. This type of move is a win-win for both sides and seems the most likely as the Royals aren’t going to be in the market for Encarnacion, Trumbo, or Bautista.

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