The KC Royals signed Hanser Alberto to a minor league deal and while this doesn’t seem like much, it could signal the lack of confidence in Nicky Lopez.
Despite a nice defensive season from Nicky Lopez in 2020, the second baseman hasn’t improved at the plate. This could be why the Kansas City Royals made the decision to bring in former Orioles infielder Hanser Alberto, who they inked to a minor league deal on Monday.
Alberto has put up good numbers offensively the past two years, slashing .299/.322/.413 with 15 home runs and 73 RBI in 781 plate appearances. This past season he hit .283 with three home runs through 231 plate appearances, showing he can make plays at the plate.
The Royals’ infield looks like it’ll consist of Carlos Santana at first base, Lopez at second base, Hunter Dozier at third base, and Adalberto Mondesi at shortstop. Alberto should have a decent shot to make the roster, but maybe not as a starter, as the Royals will give Lopez an opportunity to prove himself.
We have signed INF Hanser Alberto to a minor league contract. #Royals
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 1, 2021
The KC Royals brought Hanser Alberto in and maybe he’ll be a platoon second baseman with Nicky Lopez.
More from Kansas City Royals
- This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
- The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
- DraftKings + FanDuel Kansas Promos: INSTANT $150 Bonus Plus Two Chances to Win!
- 3 Royals Players Who Won’t Be on the Roster Next Year
- LAST CHANCE to Claim $250 GUARANTEED Bonus With FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
As mentioned above, Lopez had a good year defensively for the Royals, but the same cannot be said for his performance on offense. He hit just .201 in 192 plate appearances and was a liability against left-handed pitchers, hitting just .136 against lefties in 2020.
Alberto mostly played at second base last year with the Orioles, but he’s also seen time at third base, shortstop, first base, and designated hitter throughout his career. The Royals love these kinds of players, so Alberto will be a good fit with Dayton Moore, Mike Matheny, and the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals have some youngsters looking to prove themselves and get a backup job this year, but Alberto has a leg up on those guys for sure. He’s 28 years old so he’s still young and can hopefully provide some pop for this team in what’s sure to be an interesting year.
Maybe this signing really is just to fill in holes on the roster and to ensure the team has a dependable backup infielder. It also could be the Royals’ way of trying to motivate Lopez and even platooning him when they’re facing a southpaw.
What do you think of this signing, Royals fans? Do you think Hanser Alberto can provide the Royals with much?