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Dodgers DFA key part of 2021 roster to finalize Hanser Alberto signing

By Adam Weinrib|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 16: Matt Beaty #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on after striking out during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 16: Matt Beaty #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on after striking out during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Earnestly, this is not the Dodgers player we expected to bite the dust to make room for Hanser Alberto, especially not after he was such an essential piece of a slapdash 2021 season.

Though Alberto — a hard-swinging infielder who makes contact, but doesn’t always take his walks — has been an unofficial Dodger since March 13, he still hadn’t reported to camp earlier this week while he settled a visa issue. This meant he was off the 40-man roster, with no corresponding move necessary.

On Wednesday, though, LA made the signing official, adding Alberto on a one-year, $1.6 million deal, a bargain for a near-All-Star back in 2019 with the Orioles. The contract also comes with an option/buyout for 2023.

In order to add Alberto to the roster, the Dodgers were forced to say goodbye to versatile IF/OF Matt Beaty, a move we didn’t have on our radar.

The team must be quite confident in Max Muncy’s ability to handle first base in a pinch, then, huh?

Dodgers officially sign Hanser Alberto, DFA Matt Beaty

Once again proving the Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches, they cut ties with Beaty and his 107 OPS+ in 2021 (.270/.363/.402 triple slash!) at the drop of a hat.

This clears a path for Alberto (of course), but also makes it feel as if minor-league signing Kevin Pillar, finalized this week, has a solid shot at snagging a bench role, considering the Dodgers are now down a left field option (and AJ Pollock’s/Cody Bellinger’s health is never a sure thing).

In 2021, the Dodgers believed they had a foolproof plan in place to cover outfield innings, involving Beaty, Zach McKinstry, Luke Raley, DJ Peters and Edwin Rios. By midseason, Yoshi Tsutsugo was rumbling around in left, Gavin Lux was taking outfield reps, and Beaty was the only one playing consistently well, helping to keep the offense churning in the wake of unprecedented turnover.

His underrated bat and poise will be missed in the mix for playing time this season. Crowded offense, though.

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