Orioles claim Hanser Alberto off waivers (arbitration update)

The need for more infield depth led the Orioles earlier today to make another waiver claim.

The Orioles have brought Hanser Alberto into the organization, with catcher Andrew Susac designated for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster.

Alberto, 26, can play all four infield positions and is a career .309/.330/.438 hitter in 1,000 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. He slashed .330/.346/.452 last summer in 101 games at Round Rock in the Rangers' system, and .322/.366/.392 in 43 games with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League.

The majors have provided a different offensive story for Alberto, signed by the Rangers in 2009 as an amateur free agent. He's appeared in 89 games during the 2015, 2016 and 2018 seasons, accumulating 192 plate appearances, and has gone 35-for-182 (.192) with no home runs.

The Yankees claimed Alberto off waivers in November. He didn't stay in limbo for long after being designated him for assignment this morning to make room for former Orioles closer Zach Britton

Alberto could compete with Rule 5 infielders Richie Martin and Drew Jackson, Rio Ruiz and Steve Wilkerson for a roster spot in spring training if he stays in the organization. The Orioles traded Breyvic Valera to the Giants for cash considerations.

Infielder Sean Miller, a Crofton native who played at Archbishop Spalding, signed a minor league contract.

The 40-man remains full and is down to two catchers: Chance Sisco and Austin Wynns. The Orioles signed plus defender Carlos Pérez to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training and they've been in negotiations with Caleb Joseph after non-tendering him.

Susac went 3-for-26 last summer in his only season with the Orioles. He fractured his left wrist in July while playing for Triple-A Norfolk, was placed on the restricted list in August after leaving the club and returning home, and was reinstated in September.

Meanwhile, the Orioles are sending out invoices later today to their season plan members, with some new benefits announced and no price increases on tickets. Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias penned a letter to fans.

Birdland Members save an average of 15 percent off individual ticket prices and also receive up to a 20 percent discount on concession and merchandise. Also, members this year are allowed to choose their own rewards from a menu of options that includes brunch with an "Orioles legend" and the opportunity to dance with the Oriole Bird on the dugout roof, deliver the game ball to the mound, take batting practice or gain on-field access, among other perks.

Note: Bundy avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $2.8 million contract and Givens is receiving $2.15 million, according to sources.