Hanser Alberto is a professional baseball player who has made a name for himself in the MLB. Alberto made his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015 and played for them until he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2018.
Since joining the Orioles, Alberto has become a key player in the team’s infield, with his best offensive season coming in 2019.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how the Orioles acquired Alberto and how his performance has impacted the team.
We will also analyze the trade between the Orioles and the Rangers and the reactions from both sides. Let’s dive into the details of Alberto’s journey to the Orioles.
Alberto’s Career Before Joining the Orioles
Mlb Debut With Texas Rangers in 2015
Hanser Alberto made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015. He was called up from the minor leagues in May of that year and played in 25 games, primarily as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement.
Time With the Rangers and Performance
Alberto played for the Rangers for three seasons, from 2015 to 2017. He played mostly as a utility infielder and was known for his defensive abilities. During his time with the Rangers, he appeared in a total of 89 games and batted .192 with one home run and 13 RBIs.
While his offensive numbers were not particularly impressive, he was valued for his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions in the infield.
How the Dodgers Declined His Option for 2023
After the 2017 season, the Rangers designated Alberto for assignment and he was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees.
However, the Yankees later designated him for assignment and he was claimed by the Orioles in January 2019. Alberto played for the Orioles for two seasons, but after the 2021 season, the Dodgers declined his option for 2022, making him a free agent.
Despite his solid offensive performance with the Orioles, the Dodgers opted not to retain him, possibly due to financial considerations or a desire to pursue other players.
Trade Between the Orioles and Rangers
Details of the Trade
On November 20, 2018, the Baltimore Orioles acquired Hanser Alberto from the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league pitcher Josh Rogers. The trade was announced shortly after the Orioles had lost infielder Tim Beckham to free agency.
Minor League Right-hander Josh Rogers as Exchange
In the trade, the Rangers received minor league right-hander Josh Rogers as the player going to Texas. Rogers had been drafted by the Yankees in 2015 and was traded to the Orioles in 2018.
He made his major league debut in 2018 but struggled with an 8.65 ERA in six appearances. The Rangers likely saw potential in Rogers and hoped to develop him into a valuable asset for their organization.
Trade and Reactions From Both Sides
The trade was met with mixed reactions from both sides. Some Orioles fans were excited to have Alberto join the team and praised his defensive skills and potential as a utility infielder. Others were disappointed to see Rogers, a promising young pitcher, leave the organization.
On the Rangers side, some fans were surprised to see Alberto traded away, given his defensive skills and ability to play multiple positions.
However, others were optimistic about the potential of Rogers and saw the trade as an opportunity to strengthen their pitching depth.
In the end, the trade proved to be a solid move for the Orioles, as Alberto became an important player for the team and helped fill gaps in their infield.
Alberto’s Performance With the Orioles
Best Offensive Season in 2019
Hanser Alberto had his best offensive season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. In 139 games, he batted .305 with 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 31 doubles.
His batting average was the fourth-highest in the American League that year. His performance earned him the team’s Most Valuable Oriole award for the season.
Statistics and Notable Moments During the Season
During the 2019 season, Alberto had several notable moments. On June 14, he went 5-for-5 in a game against the Boston Red Sox, becoming the first Oriole to accomplish the feat since 1981.
He also had a walk-off hit in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 8, helping the Orioles secure a 6-5 victory. Throughout the season, Alberto demonstrated his ability to hit for contact and find gaps in the defense, as evidenced by his high number of doubles.
Consistency in the Following Years
While Alberto’s offensive numbers dipped slightly in the following years, he remained a consistent and valuable player for the Orioles. In 2020, he batted .283 with three home runs and 22 RBIs in 54 games.
In 2021, he batted .259 with three home runs and 35 RBIs in 118 games. Despite the lower numbers, he continued to play solid defense and was a reliable option in the infield for the Orioles.
Overall, Alberto’s performance with the Orioles has been positive, and he has been regarded as a valuable asset for the team.
Impact of Alberto’s Acquisition of the Orioles
Hanser Alberto’s acquisition was a key move for the Orioles, as it helped fill gaps in their infield. At the time of the trade, the Orioles had lost infielder Tim Beckham to free agency and were looking for a versatile player to fill the void.
Alberto fits the bill, as he was capable of playing multiple positions in the infield, including second base, third base, and shortstop. His solid defensive skills and ability to make contact at the plate made him a valuable asset for the Orioles.
Positive Effect on Team Dynamics
In addition to his on-field contributions, Alberto’s acquisition also had a positive effect on team dynamics. He quickly became a fan favorite and was well-liked by his teammates for his positive attitude and work ethic.
His performance on the field helped the team stay competitive, and his personality helped create a positive atmosphere in the clubhouse. Overall, his presence was seen as a boon for the team’s morale and camaraderie.
Other Acquisitions and Moves That Followed
Alberto’s acquisition was just one of several moves made by the Orioles during their rebuilding phase. Under general manager Mike Elias, the team has focused on acquiring young talent through the draft, international signings, and trades.
In addition to Alberto, the Orioles have made several other acquisitions in recent years, including shortstop Jose Iglesias, outfielder Anthony Santander, and pitcher Keegan Akin.
These moves have helped the team build a solid foundation for the future and have given fans hope for a return to competitiveness in the years to come.
Hanser Alberto’s Offensive Statistics with the Baltimore Orioles
| Season | Games Played | Plate Appearances | Batting Average | Home Runs | Runs Batted In |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 139 | 524 | .305 | 12 | 51 |
| 2020 | 54 | 185 | .283 | 3 | 22 |
| 2021 | 131 | 515 | .261 | 6 | 41 |
This table displays Alberto’s offensive statistics over his three seasons with the Orioles, including his games played, plate appearances, batting average, home runs, and runs batted in.
The data shows that Alberto had his best season with the team in 2019 when he batted .305 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs. While his numbers dipped slightly in the following years, he remained a consistent contact hitter for the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Orioles make any other moves around the time they acquired Hanser Alberto?
Yes, the Orioles made several moves during the offseason leading up to the 2019 season, including the acquisition of several other players such as shortstop Jose Iglesias, pitcher Nate Karns, and outfielder Dwight Smith Jr.
Why did the Texas Rangers decide to trade Hanser Alberto to the Orioles?
The Rangers were looking to add some pitching depth to their roster and saw an opportunity to acquire left-handed pitcher Josh Rogers in exchange for Alberto.
What were some of the challenges that Hanser Alberto faced during his time with the Orioles?
One of the main challenges that Alberto faced was inconsistency at the plate, particularly in terms of his power numbers. While he was a consistent contact hitter, he struggled to hit for extra bases at times. Additionally, his versatility in the field sometimes worked against him, as he was asked to play multiple positions and may not have had as much time to focus on mastering one specific position.
Why did the Dodgers decline Hanser Alberto’s option for the 2023 season?
It is unclear why the Dodgers declined Alberto’s option, but it is likely due to a combination of factors, such as his recent performance, his salary, and the team’s overall needs and priorities.
To Recap
The acquisition of Hanser Alberto by the Baltimore Orioles in 2018 proved to be a significant move for the team. Alberto, who had previously played for the Texas Rangers, became an important player for the Orioles, filling gaps in their infield and providing a positive impact on team dynamics.
He had his best offensive season with the team in 2019, batting .305 with 12 home runs and earning the team’s Most Valuable Oriole award.
Despite a slight dip in his offensive numbers in subsequent years, Alberto remained a consistent and valuable player for the Orioles. His acquisition was just one of several moves made by the team as they undergo a rebuilding phase under general manager Mike Elias.
Overall, Alberto’s time with the Orioles was a positive one, and his contributions to the team were greatly appreciated by fans and teammates alike.
