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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
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor is introduced before game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Texas Rangers – American League West

The Texas Rangers are in a predicament when it comes to adding sluggers this winter. They no longer have Prince Fielder or Carlos Beltran to fill in as designated hitters but they also don’t want to necessarily trust Joey Gallo quite yet. However, the Rangers may go all in on an Encarnacion or Bautista since they felt that they were so close to a 2016 World Series title.

Yes, Bautista is an option for the Rangers. Many fans, and maybe even their players, wouldn’t ever want to see him in a Texas uniform, but the organization will surely check-in on his price tag. If his or Encarnacion’s price is too steep for the team to handle, then Pedro Alvarez could very well be the next name called.

Alvarez would slot in as a temporary DH for the Rangers. They have other needs to address like the outfield, starting pitching, and resigning Yu Darvish but Alvarez could be a quick, cheap fix for a relatively small problem. They could bring him in as a bridge between full-time play and development for Joey Gallo.

Gallo debuted back in 2015 and put his power on everyone’s radar. His power is truly a premium and the Rangers have held on to him for that fact. However, Gallo struggled mightily against MLB pitching but has seemed to reach a developmental ceiling in the minors. It seems now, the time for his growth has reached a point where he needs to be in the bigs to get to that level.

Pedro Alvarez can help Gallo and the Rangers do exactly that. Alvarez can serve as the primary DH but give Gallo the opportunity to learn at the big league level. The Rangers can sign Alvarez to a cheap contract that spans only a few years. This gives them options and depth if there are injuries or if Gallo does begin to reach his potential. Assuming Gallo does progress, Alvarez will then be a threat off the bench and give Texas a strong veteran presence.

Alvarez will also get the majority of the at-bats and give the lineup some left-handed pop while guys like Rougned Odor and Adrian Beltre are relied on for the majority of the offense. This isn’t the best case scenario for the Rangers but if they do make other moves to benefit their outfield or pitching staff, then it won’t be surprising to see his name in the lineup for 2017.

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