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Baltimore Orioles: Three Other Players Who Could Be Traded

ByNick Stevens|
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 12: Manager Brandon Hyde #18 of the Baltimore Orioles walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 12: Manager Brandon Hyde #18 of the Baltimore Orioles walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Hanser Alberto #57 of the Baltimore Orioles throws to first base during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Will the Baltimore Orioles sell high on Hanser Alberto?

Hanser Alberto’s name has been thrown around since this year’s trade deadline and has continued to come up here and there as someone a few teams wouldn’t mind having on the roster next year. Should the Orioles take advantage and sell at peak value or hang on to him for another season?

If Jonathan Villar is moved, I don’t expect Alberto to go anywhere. The Orioles are already limited up the middle and there’s no guarantee Rio Ruiz sticks at third base, despite a strong defensive performance and notable improvements at the plate from the first to the second half of the season.

Alberto can fill in at third base, but plays a much better second base. His defense at second received one of the highest ratings of any Orioles player at any position in 2019. The Orioles have already claimed Pat Valaika off waivers from Colorado and are reportedly still in the market for a shortstop/second baseman, just in case.

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Alberto hit .305 overall (.398 vs lefties, .238 vs righties) and owns one of the lowest hard-hit rates in the major leagues, but he was worth 1.9 Wins Above Replacement in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite among Orioles fans. I’m not sure how Alberto produced the way he did, but he proved to be the most valuable pick up of the offseason.

The organization’s new philosophy when it comes to trading away players isn’t going to change this offseason. If a team comes calling, the return has to make the organization better, otherwise, Mike Elias isn’t going to move someone just to move them.

For that reason, I don’t think the bigger name guys are dealt this offseason. Maybe at next year’s deadline, after guys like Mychal Givens are given an opportunity to increase their trade value. But maybe a few smaller moves involving these three guys happens. It all depends on how Mike Elias plans to construct his roster for 2020.

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