Alvarez Non-Tendered By Pirates, Becomes Free Agent
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- The Pirates, who had nine players who were arbitration eligible, have decided to let go of Pedro Alvarez.
The team declined to offer a 2016 contract to the first baseman on Wednesday, making the slugger a free agent.
The Pirates have been looking for a trade partner for Alvarez after they were disappointed with his defense at first base.
So much so, that he did not even start in the Wild Card Game against the Chicago Cubs, even with a right-handed pitcher on the mound.
Alvarez has hit 111 homeruns with a .787 OPS the last four years.
The former first-round pick led Pittsburgh with 27 homers in 2015 but struggled defensively after making the transition from third base to first. Alvarez's 23 errors led the team.
The 28-year-old made $5.75 million last season and was likely due a significant raise in arbitration. The Pirates acquired first baseman Michael Morse from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline in July.
Alvarez was an important part of Pittsburgh's rise to contention. He led the National League with 36 homers in 2013 as the Pirates made the postseason for the first time in 21 years.
Pittsburgh also declined to offer a 2016 contract to reserve outfielder Jaff Decker.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
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