Fastball makes Elvis Alvarado intriguing pick up for the Pirates

Alvarado's fastball can reach upper 90s, but has struggled with control

The Winter Meetings brought the first significant movement of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Up to that point, they had only claimed a couple of players off waivers (Tristan Gray and Trey Cabbage). Not only did they make a trade, but they also signed a free agent to a split major league deal, right-handed pitcher Elvis Alvarado.

Alvarado was a hitter his first year in pro ball before switching to the mound and has been a pitcher since then.

He started his pro career with the Washington Nationals, eventually being part of a five-player trade with the Seattle Mariners. He bounced from the Mariners to the Tigers organization before signing as a minor league free agent with the Marlins this past offseason.

Alvarado, 25, posted 11 saves, striking out 71 batters (33.1%) while walking another 38 (17.7%) across 48.1 innings pitched. He also put up a 2.79 ERA.