Henderson Alvarez, RHP
Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest surprise from yesterday was the Miami Marlins’ decision to cast off Henderson Alvarez, their one-time All-Star pitcher — and Opening Day starter last year. The Venezuelan right-hander was expected to earn about $4 million in arbitration this year, but lately he’s been spending a lot of time doing this (see photo). Alvarez had season-ending shoulder surgery in May after making just four starts.
The Marlins must think Alvarez’ recovery will linger well into 2016, or else they would have kept him. So if the St. Louis Cardinals make a bid — and they should because he’ll be 26 in April — they can count on him missing at least the first month of the season. Maybe more. But then? Then there is the potential of 2014 Alvarez, who finished 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA in 30 starts, the last of which was a no-no.
If John Mozeliak was willing to pay David Price a truckload of money for a lot of years, he should be comfortable going after a younger pitcher with upside.
Next: Pedro Alvarez