As Pedro Alvarez gets closer to becoming a high priced free agent after the 2016 season, the reality seems to be that Alvarez’s days in Pittsburgh are numbered. This is especially the case if you ask the average Pirates fan.
They seem increasingly frustrated with Alvarez’s inability to hit for a higher average, his at times frustrating defense and his lack of production over long stretches.
For all the criticism Alvarez has received in the past few seasons, especially of late, few hitters have more power potential. No more evidence is needed than his league leading 36 home runs last season.
Also, it’s hard not to recognize that Alvarez can get on hot streaks where he has the look of one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. He can take over games and be a one man wrecking crew at the plate.
That is something every team in MLB desperately covets.
You would have to believe his value only increases when you look at some of the teams in the American League who would love nothing more than to have a player like Alvarez. Though no one will call him a great defensive third baseman, he’s certainly good enough to stick there for now. Plus, having the variable of using him at designated hitter and eventually transitioning him to first base makes him all the more intriguing.
For any shortcomings fans will point out in regards to Alvarez, it’s a risky proposition trading a player with his talent and ability to hit for power. However, it’s time to at least consider the idea, and look at options.
Here’s a couple ideas to consider.
More than any other position, the Pirates desperately need help at shortstop and obviously, if you trade Alvarez, third base.
Two teams specifically have players who could fit nicely into a trade package due to their ability to not only spend, but because of the potential fit as a trade partner.
Those teams are the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox.
The Rangers have proven to be a team more than willing to spend to make their team better. Like the Pirates, the Rangers are hovering around .500 and look to be very much in the hunt for a wild card berth. The past several seasons have been bitter disappointments, as the Rangers have been on the cusp of a championship but unable to break through and win a title.
Adding a player like Alvarez could help the Rangers cause.
With Prince Fielder out for the remainder of the season, adding Alvarez’s power bat could make a significant impact. Plus, with 35-year old third baseman Adrian Beltre hitting well, but not exactly reminding anyone of Brooks Robinson defensively, he and Alvarez could share duties at the hot corner, while the other settled in as a designated hitter.
The Rangers would also have the money available to extend Alvarez long term over the next two and a half seasons before he becomes a free agent. A luxury the Pirates obviously do not share.
Who could the Pirates get back in the deal? The ultra-talented shortstop from Curacao, Jurickson Profar.
Let’s face it, the Pirates have gotten by with Jordy Mercer, but could use an upgrade at SS. Additionally, Alen Hansen, the Pirates top infield prospect, is not by any means certain to stick at short. Some believe he might not good enough defensively and will have to eventually transition to second.
Beyond Hansen, the depth at shortstop is very thin, and not especially promising. Sure, they just spent a first-round pick on Cole Tucker, but best case scenario, he’s probably a bare minimum of five years away from the majors if he pans out.
That leads me to Profar. Profar is a slick fielding shortstop with upside as a hitter. Considered one of the top prospects before being called up full time by the Rangers in 2013, Profar is known for a mature approach to the game for only being 21 years old.
Profar has displayed power potential in the minors, hitting 13 homers in Double-A ball in 2012. Add to the fact that the Rangers have moved him to second base because they already have Elvis Andrus and this deal starts making even more sense.
Profar would also be under Pirates control until 2020, another intriguing aspect of a potential deal.
There is one caveat to all of this, Profar is currently on the DL with a shoulder injury and due to a recent setback with that injury, and the Rangers might shut him down for the season as a precaution. So yes, you might be trading for a player who could possibly be out for the remainder of the year.
However, who’s to say this Pirates team is still in the playoff race in a month? Beyond that, even if they are, do you really feel this is a World Series caliber team? If you do, you certainly keep the glass half full.
As for the Red Sox as a potential trade partner, many might not realize that Alvarez, who spent his youth in New York, grew up a Red Sox fan. Not only would the prospect of Alvarez playing for the Red Sox be great for Pedro himself, it would allow the Red Sox to add a power bat while they make the inevitable transition away from players like David Ortiz and Mike Napoli.
Few teams have the ability to spend than the Red Sox, so they could easily sign Alvarez to an extension and still have plenty of money to fill any additional holes in their roster without batting an eyelash.
Alvarez could thrive with the Red Sox, but who could the Pirates ask for in return?
I say the pride of Aruba, shortstop/third basemen Xander Bogaerts.
A unique name and hailing from the same region are only a couple of similarities Bogaerts shares with Profar.
Like Profar, Bogaerts can play multiple positions, most importantly ones the Pirates could use. It seems that Bogaerts has the ability to stick at either SS or 3B, and in either case, the Pirates would get a hitter with decent power and a reputation for outstanding plate discipline. Also like Profar, Bogaerts is not a free agent until 2020, something that could make the Pirates a formidable lineup with the likes of Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Andrew McCutchen in place.
Bogaerts is highly coveted by the Red Sox, but the reality is Alvarez would be an excellent fit and someone that could thrive playing in Beantown. There is no question the Pirates might have to get creative and add additional pieces to make this deal work, but that’s why Pirates GM Neal Huntington has built up such a tremendous farm system, right?
Finally, trading Alvarez would also enable the Pirates to have additional money to use to talk extension with players such as Neil Walker and Russell Martin, not to mention continuing talks with Polanco. It might even prompt the Pirates to discuss at some point, re-doing the remainder of McCutchen’s current deal, adding years while rewarding the Pirates franchise player.
If nothing else, it’s probably time for Huntington to consider his options. The chances of Alvarez sticking with the Pirates are minimal, and his value will only decrease as he gets closer to free agency. The Pirates need to look at all options, or risk losing Alvarez for nothing.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
