Yordan Alvarez Reveals Secret Back Story Behind Dodgers Trade

Before the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Yordan Alvarez to the Houston Astros, Alvarez didn’t even know what a trade was. He learned quickly.

Alvarez signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent out of Haiti in June 2016, however, he did not last long with the team. Two months later, Alvarez was traded to the Astros for Josh Fields. Alvarez had not played a game yet in the Dodgers’ minor league system, but the Dodgers traded him because they needed help in the bullpen.

Alvarez recalled the hilarious story on an episode of La Vida Mas Fina, per MLB.

“I didn’t know what a trade was and at that time I thought … they’re getting rid of me! I called everyone. ‘Hey, they are kicking me out!” The slugger recalled the memory with a laugh. “A lot of people don’t know that part of my story. I’m always asked, ‘Did you play with [the Dodgers]?’ I only put on my uniform once and I didn’t get to play. Just hanging out and taking pictures!”

Alvarez, who made his debut with the Dodgers in 2019, has gone on to have a great career. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2019, hitting .313 with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs. He’s been on a tear over the last three seasons, making three straight All-Star Games.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has since counted the decision to trade Alvarez among his regrets. Fields pitched three seasons for the Dodgers from 2016-18, posting a 2.20 ERA in 45 games during the 2018 season.

The 2022 season was the best for Alvarez, who hit .306 with a career-high 37 home runs to go along with 97 RBIs. Alvarez finished sixth in MLB in home runs, and was also named All-MLB First Team and a Silver Slugger. He was the AL Player of the Month in June, and finished third in AL MVP voting behind Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. That October, Alvarez helped the Astros win the World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Alvarez is off to another great season this year, hitting .312 with 28 home runs and 71 RBIs. He ranks fourth in MLB in batting average.

Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

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