Orioles sign Pedro Alvarez to 1-year, $5.25 million deal

The Orioles have agreed to a 1-year, $5.25 million deal with Pedro Alvarez, as first reported by Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The deal also includes $1.25 million in incentives, meaning that its value can max out at $7 million.

Baltimore has been linked to Alvarez since the former Pirate was non-tendered in December, with reports surfacing at the Winter Meetings that the team was considering him as an alternative to Chris Davis. Even after signing Davis to a 7-year, $161 million deal in mid-January, the O's continued pursuing Alvarez until finally striking a deal with him Monday.

Baltimore's addition of Alvarez is likely an attempt to recover some of the offense lost by the team's failed deal with Dexter Fowler, who re-signed with the Cubs on a 1-year deal after reports surfaced of a 3-year agreement with the Orioles. Alvarez will likely see significant time at designated hitter for the O's, platooning with fellow power hitter Mark Trumbo, who was acquired earlier in the offseason.

Alvarez, 29, has experience playing both corner infield positions, though Davis and Manny Machado are locked into those spots for Baltimore. Alvarez will provide a bench option at both of those spots in case of injury or rest.

Alvarez has spent his entire career with the Pirates, posting a .236/.309/.441 line with 131 home runs in 742 games. The former All-Star only hit .243 with 27 home runs last season while also being a defensive liability, so his shift to the American League should be benefit his career.