SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Baltimore Orioles have finalized their $5.75 million, one-year contract with infielder Pedro Alvarez.
A 29-year-old power hitter, Alvarez has 131 homers in six major league seasons and was an All-Star in 2013. He hit .243 with 27 homers, 77 RBIs and 131 strikeouts last year.
Alvarez, who became a free agent in December when Pittsburgh failed to offer a contract, is likely to get most of his action as the Orioles' designated hitter.
Alvarez could earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances under the deal announced Thursday: $200,000 each for 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550, and $250,000 for 600.
To make room for Alvarez on the 40-man roster, Baltimore released right-hander Andrew Triggs.
