Report: Marlins Trying To Trade For Pedro Alvarez

The Winter meeting may be over, but the Marlins are still looking for their 2015 starting first baseman. According to Craig Mish and others, the Marlins front office is taking a hard look at current Pirate, Pedro Alvarez.

Alvarez was the second overall pick by the Pirates in the 2008 draft. Since coming up to the majors, he hadn’t been a high on base guy, but he absolutely mashes the ball. He hit .244/30/85 in 2012 and .233/36/100 in 2013.

2014 was a rough season for Alvarez, as he hit .231/18/56. He was limited to 122 games and his OBP was actually better than it had been the year before. He will only be 28 when the 2015 starts and still has a ton in the tank.

I actually had the pleasure of pitching against Pedro Alvarez in high school. We went to rival schools in the Bronx. I’m glad to see a product come out of our school system, as not many do.

Marlins Park is notoriously difficult for hitters. In fact, Giancarlo Stanton discussed bringing in the fences during his contract negotiations because the dimensions cost him six home runs last season. While the fences will not be brought in for next season, it is actually in possible discussion for the 2016 season.

Pedro Alvarez is a bit of a one dimensional player. Hit the ball over the fence or sit in the dugout. While that may seem like a poor recipe for success in Miami, we need to remember the intrinsic value of giving Stanton protection. Stanton hit 37 home runs last season protected by Casey Mchegee. Bringing Alvarez into the mix would help the team. It’s a clear upgrade from Garrett Jones, and Alvarez is under team control for two more seasons.

The Marlins have upgraded by bringing in Dee Gordon and Mat Latos. The team is very close to being playoff contenders. Alvarez may not be the perfect fit at first base for the Fish, but he’s going to help get the team over .500 for the first time since 2009.

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