Player Profile: Jorge Alfaro
Player Profile: Jorge Alfaro
If you haven’t heard yet, which is hard to believe, the Marlins traded J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies for Sixto Sanchez, Will Stewart, Jorge Alfaro, and international bonus slot. Since Alfaro is most likely going to be the starting catcher for the Marlins, let’s take a look at who he is.
Philadelphia and Miami are in agreement on a trade that would send All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies for catcher Jorge Alfaro, pitching prospects Sixto Sanchez and Will Stewart, and an international bonus slot, league sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 7, 2019
Alfaro’s career
The Miami Marlins have acquired catcher Jorge Alfaro, right-handed pitcher Sixto Sánchez, left-handed pitcher Will Stewart and international bonus pool money from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Welcome to Miami, gentlemen! pic.twitter.com/czlpQGEYsy
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) February 7, 2019
Alfaro is just 25 years old. He has played just 143 games in his major league career. In those 143 games, Alfaro is slashing .270/.327/.422 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. Alfaro has the ability to hit the ball hard and hit it out of the ballpark. The best part of his game is by far his arm. He has a rocket, canon, bazooka, whatever you wanna call it, it’s ridiculous.
Jorge Alfaro vs. Trea Turner is a dream matchup of arm vs. legs.
Tonight, @_JorgeAlfaro11 won the battle with this 92.5 mph throw and 1.77-second pop time!
That is:
– The hardest CS throw by a catcher in #statcast history
– The 2nd-fastest pop time on a CS throw since 2015 pic.twitter.com/iM8YwWXjOa— #Statcast (@statcast) July 1, 2018
Jorge Alfaro's arm… good god pic.twitter.com/jbpkBw4csW
— Bill Baer 🌹 (@Baer_Bill) June 3, 2018
As you can see, his arm is his best trait. But when it comes to his bat, he hasn’t been as successful. With a career OPS of just .749, it is about average. I can tell you from watching this guy, sometimes he tries to swing too hard and as a result, he struggles. It is most likely a result of being young. Alfaro can easily be a 25 home run guy if he is able to make an adjustment while hitting. Maybe even 30+, he has raw power when he makes contact.
2019 expectations
There is no doubt in my mind that Alfaro will become the starting catcher for this team. Chad Wallach has fewer at-bats and games in the majors. With the lower expectations within the Marlins’ organization, it will allow for Alfaro to grow into himself.
As I said, his defense will play, and I think his bat will get there. For the 2019 season, I expect Alfaro to catch about 140 games and slash about .275/.330/.440. This will be a decent improvement from his 2018 season. Although he is transitioning to a bigger ballpark, I also expect his power numbers to increase. I would guess about 20-23 home runs with increased at-bats and experience.
Marlins’ fans all over should be thrilled with this acquisition.
