Prior to the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hanser Alberto to a one-year contract with a team option for 2023 to provide depth and a utility infielder their bench was sorely lacking.
Alberto spent the entire season on the active roster, aside from a brief stint away on paternity leave, but he was not included on the postseason roster in favor of Miguel Vargas, who the Dodgers felt offered more offensive upside on the bench.
After the season, the Dodgers declined Alberto’s $2 million option for the 2023 season, which made him a free agent. Now, his time with the organization has come to an end as he reportedly agreed to a Minor League contract with the Chicago White Sox, according to Robert Murray of FanSided:
Sources: Free-agent infielder Hanser Alberto in agreement on a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. Alberto played in 73 games with the Dodgers last season.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 11, 2023
Although Alberto was not an offensive threat at the plate, hitting only .244/.258/.365 with nine doubles, two triples, two home runs and 15 RBI over 73 games, his contributions to the club were still admirable.
Several of Alberto’s teammates nevertheless raved about his contributions and uplifting presence in the Dodgers clubhouse, and manager Dave Roberts often praised the utility man during the season.
Alberto made appearances around the diamond, playing every position except catcher, center field and left field during the season. He also became an unofficial member of the bullpen for his work as an innings eater in blowout games.
The White Sox will be the fifth club Alberto has played for, along with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals.
Hanser Alberto set MLB record
With his willingness and ability to take the mound, Alberto set an MLB record for most pitching appearances by a position player in a single season with 10.
Some of those instances provided needed relief for the Dodgers bullpen at various points throughout the season, and it actually led to him posting a higher WAR on the mound (-0.1) than he did as a position player (-0.5).
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