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Royals Sign Hanser Alberto To Minor League Contract

By Mark Polishuk | January 31, 2021 at 6:24pm CDT

6:24PM: The Royals have officially announced the signing.

5:37PM: The Royals have signed infielder Hanser Alberto to a minor league deal, according to reporter Junior Matrille (Twitter link).  Alberto will earn $1.65MM in guaranteed salary if he makes Kansas City’s big league roster, with another $350K available in potential bonuses.

Alberto has spent the last two seasons as a regular in the Orioles’ lineup, splitting time at second base and third in 2019 and then settling in as the everyday second baseman in 2020.  Over 781 plate appearance since the start of the 2019 campaign, Alberto has hit .299/.322/.413 with 15 home runs, with that respectable slash line undermined by a lack of walks and some of the lowest hard-hit ball numbers of any hitter in the league.  The Orioles chose to non-tender Alberto rather than pay him a projected arbitration salary in the range of $2.3MM to $4.1MM, and since he has another year of arb eligibility beyond 2021, the Royals potentially have two years of control over his services.

Given the lack of experienced infield depth on the K.C. roster, there certainly seems to be a good chance for Alberto to win himself at least a bench job, and perhaps even a platoon role at second base if Nicky Lopez is protected against left-handed starters.  The right-handed hitting Alberto has some very good numbers (.350/.367/.464) in 350 career PA against southpaws over his career.

Alberto has also seen action as a shortstop at the MLB level and even played a handful of games as a first baseman and corner outfielder, adding to his bid for utilityman work.  Kelvin Gutierrez, Erick Mejia, and rookie Lucius Fox are some of the other contenders for a backup infielder role, though the Royals’ infield picture could be shaken up considerably during the season if star prospect Bobby Witt Jr. is given an aggressive promotion to the Show.

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Kansas City Royals Transactions Hanser Alberto

AL Notes: White Sox, Rodón, Twins, Polanco, Arraez, Royals, Pérez
Main
Free Agent Notes: Mets, Williams, Folty, Arrieta, Twins, Rosenthal
View Comments (68)
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68 Comments

  1. cobbalicious

    4 years ago

    That’s a steal

    Reply
  2. Michael Chaney

    4 years ago

    I’m shocked he had to settle for a minor league contract. There’s room on someone’s roster for a guy who can play passable defense at a few infield spots and mash lefties.

    Seriously, this guy is elite against lefties.

    Reply
    • chace alexander

      4 years ago

      an easy starter in KC

      Reply
    • dubtastic

      4 years ago

      Yeah, I’m shocked too..he’s a decent INF hitter..really surprised he settled for a minor league contract..goes to show how the market shaped up this year..

      Reply
  3. yankees500

    4 years ago

    I can’t believe that he was 1. Non-tendered and 2. Didn’t sign a Major League deal

    18
    Reply
    • oldmansteve

      4 years ago

      Doesn’t walk. Doesn’t hit the ball hard. Only an average defender.

      2
      Reply
      • its_happening

        4 years ago

        Hits lefties. Hard hit or not, hits lefties.

        4
        Reply
      • Jbigz12

        4 years ago

        Platoon bat. Sub par defense but he does hit lefties. Useful enough bench piece for someone but not worth 4MM dollars, obviously.

        3
        Reply
    • PhilliePhan

      4 years ago

      I agree. He has to be better than Lopez.

      1
      Reply
    • amk1920

      4 years ago

      He’s great at avoiding strikeouts but can’t do much with the bat besides that.

      Reply
    • GarryHarris

      4 years ago

      Then there’s Renato Nunez.

      Reply
  4. conniemacksghost

    4 years ago

    was hoping the athletics would sign him! right up their alley thought he’d be a great platoon with pinder at short.

    Reply
  5. fathead0507

    4 years ago

    But AA signs ehire adrianza instead

    Reply
  6. heinie manush

    4 years ago

    Another good signing by KC. Very solid line up in a balanced division. Could surprise if Singer and Bubic are ready.

    2
    Reply
    • kcmark

      4 years ago

      We know Singer is ready. The question is if Lynch is ready.

      Reply
  7. Pauly2112

    4 years ago

    Saweet! Great depth move. Also is a hedge if Lopez regresses offensively & can only be used in a limited defensive role.

    2
    Reply
  8. Russianblue35

    4 years ago

    The Orioles shedding anybody decent

    2
    Reply
    • BertMacklin

      4 years ago

      Dude could only get a minor league deal on the open market. Apparently they aren’t the only team that feels a certain way about him…

      Reply
  9. Orioles Fan

    4 years ago

    Really good signing for the Royals. Can not believe my Orioles didn’t keep this guy.

    4
    Reply
    • heinie manush

      4 years ago

      Look forward to a really high draft pick for the O’s.

      4
      Reply
      • Marty McRae

        4 years ago

        Orioles literally saying: Galvis, Ruiz and Yolmer Sanchez > Alberto.

        Don’t agree.

        2
        Reply
        • Mike Elias

          4 years ago

          I disagree. We need to prioritize good defense for the young pitchers that are starting to come up. As much a good person/lefty killer Alberto is, we didn’t need an average fielder who doesn’t hit for power. Galvis has more offensive upside. Alberto won’t be in our next contending window anyways.

          3
          Reply
    • birdsfan415

      4 years ago

      same, very sad over it

      Reply
  10. birdsfan415

    4 years ago

    how is he not on a major league contract

    Reply
  11. Marty McRae

    4 years ago

    KC fans, is this it?

    1B Santana
    2B Merrifield
    SS Mondesi
    3B Alberto
    C Perez
    LF Cordero
    CF Taylor
    RF Dozier
    DH Soler

    If so, KC is only a piece or two away from contention in the weak central.

    1
    Reply
    • TLB2001

      4 years ago

      I think LF will be a platoon of Cordero and Olivares and Dayton is still saying that Nicky Lopez is the second basemen, but other than that yes.

      The White Sox, Twins and Indians disagree that the central is weak.

      Reply
    • jdgoat

      4 years ago

      The White Sox and Twins are much better, but they are making a push towards respectability.

      Reply
    • TLB2001

      4 years ago

      1B Santana
      2B Lopez
      SS Mondesi
      3B Dozier
      RF Merrifield
      CF Taylor
      LF Cordero/Oliveres
      DH Soler

      Dozier, Merrifield and Alberto now can play all over the diamond so it’ll be pretty interchangeable.

      Reply
      • cuffs2

        4 years ago

        In the AL most teams have a catcher, The Royals have Salvador Perez. Odd he is not listed in your lineup.

        Reply
    • mizzourah87

      4 years ago

      It was rumored that the Yankees Marlins and Royals were in on Puig, and then rumored that the Yankees and Marlins are no longer interested. He had an instagram pic with Soler and Salvy a while back. IF the Royals grab him and play him in RF then Dozier will likely play 3b. I think Whit will move back to a Zobrist type role and play all over, allowing Nicky a little more time to see if he figures it out. It’s not like our OF is set with Cordero, Taylor, Olivares, etc… he’ll probably play a bit of 2b, LF, CF, and maybe even some 3b.

      2
      Reply
      • Marty McRae

        4 years ago

        So, regardless of position, a batting order of like

        Modesi-Merrifield-Santana-Soler-Perez-Dozier-Puig-Alberto-Taylor

        is lowkey going to be a tough battle for a lot of pitchers, I’m really liking KC’s moves a lot. Just need another SP and some bullpen depth and they might take a serious crack at the ALC

        Reply
        • dan55

          4 years ago

          The Royals will definitely be an interesting team next year, but it is a stretch to say they could compete for the AL Central. The White Sox and Twins are too good, and the Indians should be better unless they trade away their best players. The Royals will win around 75-80 games, which will be a good number for a rebuilding team, but not enough to compete for the Central.

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          4 years ago

          The weak central? Twins are pretty good. ChiSox are on their way up. And the Indians are competitive and develop pitching like no other team. Might not be as top heavy but that’s certainly not the NL central.

          5
          Reply
        • BuJoBi

          4 years ago

          That’s optimistic, 75-80 wins with a starting rotation filled with danny Duffy, brad keller, Jacob Junis?? You really hoping Singer and Bubic are gonna tear it up but unfortunately they didnt look to strong in 2020, and probably arent quite ready. Although I like the signings it’s still a really weak team and the AL central is not push over, I like the Tigers over the Royals to me they still in the basement. Add Puig, another legit starter not another number 5 starter they use as a ace, and maybe we have a conversation

          Reply
        • TLB2001

          4 years ago

          As a royals fan, I think the 75-80 number is appropriate. We’re gonna go through a lot of starters next year because of innings limits on the young guys that didn’t have a minor league season.

          I don’t think Alberto starts, but I think you’ll see him play quite a bit giving guys a rest and/or filling in if anyone tests positive. Having him and Whit and Dozier who can play all over the field gives us a great deal of flexibility, so I think you’ll see us run out quite a few different permutations.

          Reply
        • cuffs2

          4 years ago

          the 2020 Royals would have won 75-80 if they had played all year. Perez & Soler missed large parts of the year. The Additions of Santana, Alberto possibly Puig along with Wade Davis are major upgrades. .. Merrifield,Mondesi,Soler Perez, Santana & Dozier make for a powerful lineup. If Puig is added that’s 7 guys who mash. More when they drop Taylor and Lopez. The Mid Season add of Bobby Witt Jr could give them the divisions top offense. The Starting pitching is ready to break through. Keller is an Ace now,. Duffy is good ,Singer & Bubic both finished well last year & will improve as sophomores.. Lynch, Lacy and Kowar are chomping at the bit in AAA. The pen is loaded wth both old and young talent. 85-90 is what I expect and 95 if a few guys have career years. 2021 could be theirs. Otherwise 2022 will be their break through season.

          Reply
        • cuffs2

          4 years ago

          Brad Keller is an ace now 2 of his first 3 seasons he had ERA’s of 3.08 and 2.47. Duffy will move to the pen by mid summer. Singer and Bubic were top 10 prospects that Gelled in September.With Lynch and Lacy being top 30 prospects now and Kowar being as good as any of them this rotation could be amazing by season’s end. With Mike Minor and Ervin Santana around as depth pieces they should be average at worst. The lineup is loaded and the team has the pieces coming up to cover each hole. Alberto is a stop gap not a big signing. The Royals will be somewhere in the 80’s as the pen is loaded with Flamethrowers.. And Junis was sent to the pen in 2020 where he won’t catch on in 2021. Singer had a respectable 4.06 ERA in 2020 and Bubic had a pedestrian 4.32 but was up a season early..Both should improve and the Staff in AAA is full of Studs. Besides it’s not like they play in the East.

          Reply
    • pb22

      4 years ago

      A weak central??? Absolutely not Twins still have it and are gonna get Cruz back, whitesox have made an amazing team in the last year with pitching there going to take the WS, and Cleveland lost Linder but still have a solid team the AL and NL central at the best divisions in the game

      Reply
    • gorav114

      4 years ago

      U r in trouble if Hanser is batting cleanup or playing 3rd. I guess he can be played at 3rd but he’s def not a lead-off or middle of the order bat. Prob best as 9th

      1
      Reply
      • iverbure

        4 years ago

        He was clearly listing the position and not the batting order.

        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          4 years ago

          Odd arrangement of a list of defensive positions. Not much of an order to his list. Could easily see how that was mistaken…

          Reply
  12. Oddvark

    4 years ago

    Alberto seems like a Royals kind of guy.

    7
    Reply
  13. PapiElf

    4 years ago

    The Royals are actually looking decent this year

    Reply
  14. Rangers29

    4 years ago

    Can’t believe it’s not a major league deal. That Royals lineup is gonna be soooo underrated.

    4
    Reply
    • cuffs2

      4 years ago

      the 2020 Royals would have won 75-80 if they had played all year. Perez & Soler missed large parts of the year. The Additions of Santana, Alberto possibly Puig along with Wade Davis are major upgrades. .. Merrifield,Mondesi,Soler Perez, Santana & Dozier make for a powerful lineup. If Puig is added that’s 7 guys who mash. More when they drop Taylor and Lopez. The Mid Season add of Bobby Witt Jr could give them the divisions top offense. The Starting pitching is ready to break through. Keller is an Ace now,. Duffy is good ,Singer & Bubic both finished well last year & will improve as sophomores.. Lynch, Lacy and Kowar are chomping at the bit in AAA. The pen is loaded wth both old and young talent. 85-90 is what I expect and 95 if a few guys have career years. 2021 could be theirs. Otherwise 2022 will be their break through season.

      Reply
  15. 2012orioles

    4 years ago

    Surprised a contender didn’t pick him up to platoon. Pretty bad that the Orioles felt he was too expensive

    Reply
  16. DarkSide830

    4 years ago

    a steal to be sure

    Reply
  17. Rsox

    4 years ago

    Solid signing, can come off the bench or play everyday

    1
    Reply
  18. PinstripedPride

    4 years ago

    Goodness, we thought the Rays cried poor. The Orioles are literally getting rid of anyone who makes a dollar. Good on the Royals for picking up a solid infielder, even if he doesn’t walk

    3
    Reply
    • Let Pete In

      4 years ago

      Except for Davis. They are poor because of that boondoggle.

      Reply
    • Russianblue35

      4 years ago

      And for the guys making less than a dollar, they want to defer their money.

      3
      Reply
  19. bobtillman

    4 years ago

    No power, nothing on the bases, nothing to crow about defensively…fairly lousy OBP for a guy like that, and the OPS+ is less than average.

    That said, for the price, not a bad pickup (especially since Lopez appears to be floundering). Dayton Moore’s dumpster diving, but he’s looking in the right dumpsters.

    3
    Reply
    • Rangers29

      4 years ago

      He’s at the dumpster behind the pizza place. They’re always giving out free ones.

      1
      Reply
      • Monkey’s Uncle

        4 years ago

        Free dumpsters? Sweet!

        Reply
      • For Love of the Game

        4 years ago

        Oooh! This box has cheese still left on it on it…Yum!
        -Dayton Moore

        Reply
        • bobtillman

          4 years ago

          Leave the cheese. Take the pepperoni

          And of course the cannoli. .

          Reply
  20. bdpecore

    4 years ago

    Good signing by KC. I was really hoping my Brewers would’ve sign him.

    Reply
  21. Mrtwotone

    4 years ago

    Surprised he didn’t get a major league deal! He’s a pretty good utility guy and better than some people getting a guaranteed contract this year.

    1
    Reply
  22. Get Off My Mound

    4 years ago

    I like this signing. Feels like the Royals are one of the only teams not trying to play for homers and strikeouts.

    Reply
  23. Bosin Rag

    4 years ago

    SINGLIN’ HANSER RIDES AGAIN
    YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN

    1
    Reply
  24. fathead0507

    4 years ago

    AA signs Ehire Adrianza over this guy smh

    Reply
  25. User 355748524

    4 years ago

    Freddy Galvis got a guaranteed major league contract. Hanser Alberto got a minor league contract.

    The Orioles signed the former for 1.5 millon while the latter was nontendered by the same team and agreed to a minor league deal with the Royals, 1.65 million if he makes the team.

    If you have to prove your worth a contract rather then have it guaranteed, what does say about what teams project and expect from you?

    IMO, Galvis has proven he can be an able full-time player until a better one arrives and Alberto has not proven himself to be just as or more consistent. Yes, he can be a good platoon player, but that value has its limitations when the team in question is rebuilding.

    In any case, I’ll wait and see how it all turns out.

    Reply
    • Jbigz12

      4 years ago

      Galvis is also a major league SS. Alberto is a subpar 2B/3B. He’s only useful against LHP as well. It makes sense.

      1
      Reply
      • User 355748524

        4 years ago

        To that I agree, but I’m also willing to give Alberto a little bit benefit of the doubt.

        He had one pretty good year in 2019, especially defensively per statcast. That value flatlined in 2020 and whether he regains his value with the glove will be his biggest question mark this year, since his offense is pretty much stuck at ‘singles centric platoon player’ lest he has some magic pixie dust.

        Reply
  26. gorav114

    4 years ago

    KC gonna love this dude. He doesn’t walk much or hit for power but man does it seem like he gets 2 hits every game and his positive energy is great for team chemistry. Defense is passable. Guarantee he makes team. He’s not worth 4 million in a team that’s rebuilding that’s why Os had to do what they did but he’ll be missed. Was hoping a playoff team would snag him cause he’d be great as a 9 hitter in a playoff team

    Reply
  27. bobsugar84

    4 years ago

    Fantastic signing. Much better than Lopez. Is always a tough out and is just a grind it out ball player. Will fit in nicely. No doubt makes the team and likely starts opening day. Bat him 9th and let him teach the outfields how to not strike out so much!

    Reply
    • bobsugar84

      4 years ago

      Outfielders!

      Reply
    • TLB2001

      4 years ago

      Lopez is still the starter I think. Alberto will play a lot at different spots. I think if Lopez does get benched, they’ll move Whit to 2B and leave Alberto as UTIL. Whit prefers to play 2B and it’s less taxing on his legs.

      Reply

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