The Baltimore Orioles added two offensive players to their roster on Tuesday, in one expected move and one that was not quite as expected.
This week theBaltimore Oriolesbrought backCaleb Josephand brought upSteve Wilkersonas he makes his Orioles debut. That’s the announcement that theteam made on Twitteron Tuesday afternoon.
This continues the somewhat baffling moves by the team, in which they areshaking up the offense and getting younger, but also sending down Chance Sisco. Regardless of how baffling this is, it does make sense. Alvarez is struggling, big time.
The left-handed DH is hitting .180/.283/.414 with eight home runs, two doubles, 18 RBIs and 18 runs scored in 127 plate appearances.
More from Baltimore Orioles
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut
He has struck out 38 times so far, which is a ton, nearly 33 percent.
Recently, in limited appearances, it has not been good. Alvarez over the last month has 24 plate appearances and is hitting .136/.208/.136 with no extra-base hits.
Compounding this is that Alvarez is so bad defensively, the Orioles don’t have anywhere for him to play but DH. And, withMark Trumbo,Trey Mancini,Chris Davis, and others on the roster, that is kind of superfluous.
Now, for Wilkerson.
Many thought he could have made the Orioles out of Spring Training, had he not been suspended for violating MLB’s drug policy. He was the leading utility infielder for their minor league system last year and turned heads in the Arizona Fall League.
In 16 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Wilkerson has continued his strong minor league play. Wilkerson is hitting .290/.362/.500 with three home runs, four doubles, nine RBIs, 11 runs scored and zero errors. that will work. He has started games at second base, third base, shortstop, left field and right field for Norfolk.
Now, the more curious question is what this does to the Orioles’ roster going forward.
They currently haveAustin Wynnsand Joseph as their catchers. Both could have a future with the team, although if they want Wynns to be the backup to Sisco after 2018, maybe they are going to showcase Joseph to trade him.
First base is the dark hole of Davis, who eventually will have to return to the team. Other infielders includeJonathan Schoop, who is starting to hit,Manny MachadoandDanny Valencia.
All three of them could be traded, and Machado and Valencia should be. Backups areCorban Joseph, who in all honesty is probably a minor league player, andJace Peterson, who might be a utility player, isn’t going to win a starting job on most teams.
Moving to the outfield, the team hasTrey Mancini,Adam Jones, Trumbo,Joey RickardandCraig Gentry.
Jones should be traded, if for nothing else to chase a ring. If they can unload Trumbo, go for it. Heck, someone might even want the speed and defense Gentry offers, as a more veteran guy off the bench, a laTerrance GoreorJarrod Dyson(although clearly not as fast as those two).
The team has a number of outfielders who are knocking on the major league door to some extent, so there is no need to hold on to players that have expiring contracts, or who can help the team down the road.
Selecting Wilkerson is another sign that this team is looking to the future, which is necessary.
Now, it is time to start seriously shopping guys likeManny Machado,Brad Brachand Jones to see what the return is.
Next: Orioles Hope Zach Britton Can Prove His Trade Value
The Orioles need to continue to work to move their team ahead, which includes building for the future and also evaluating the players currently in the system.
Having Joseph and Steve Wilkerson in the majors is a sign the Baltimore Orioles are starting to commit to that process.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations