The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hanser Alberto to a one-year, $1.6 million contract on Wednesday, nearly two weeks since his agreement was first reported. Matt Beaty was designated for assignment in order to make room for Alberto on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Alberto’s contract includes a $2 million team option for the 2023 season, and a $250,000 buyout. His arrival at Camelback Ranch to undergo a physical and make his signing official was delayed due to visa trouble.
Prior to coming to terms with Alberto, the Dodgers reportedly had interest in Josh Harrison. However, Harrison signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. Harrison’s deal included a team option for 2023 and $1.5 million buyout.
Alberto has appeared in parts of six seasons since making his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015. Alberto remained with the Rangers organization until getting claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees in November 2018.
He was then claimed by the Baltimore Orioles and appeared in a career-high 139 games during the 2019 season. Alberto hit .305/.329/.422 with 21 doubles, 12 home runs and 54 RBI while primarily playing second and third base that year.
Alberto appeared in 54 of 60 games for the Orioles during the shortened 2020 season, but spent last year with the Kansas City Royals. There was some regression at the plate, but the 29-year-old still hit .270/.291/.402 with 20 doubles, two home runs and 24 RBI over 103 games.
Alberto provides the Dodgers with flexibility in the field as he’s primarily played second base, third base and shortstop. He notably has fared well against left-handed pitching throughout his career, batting .333 with an .815 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Dodgers DFA Matt Beaty
Matt Beaty was designated for assignment as the corresponding move to make room for Alberto on the 40-man roster.
On the surface the decision comes as a surprise due to Beaty having one Minor League option remaining. However, and the Dodgers have a bevy of left-handed candidates for their bench. Beaty presumably will be claimed off waivers and traded within the next week.
Beaty has been up with the Dodgers over parts of three seasons and hit a combined .262/.333/.425 with 18 home runs and 91 RBI.
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