Albert Almora

Last updated

Albert Almora Jr.
Albert Almora 2013-08-20 00-58 (cropped) (cropped).jpg
Almora in 2013
Arizona Diamondbacks
Center fielder
Born: (1994-04-16) April 16, 1994 (age 29)
Hialeah Gardens, Florida, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 7, 2016, for the Chicago Cubs
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Pan American Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2015 Toronto Team

Reinaldo Albert Almora Jr. (born April 16, 1994) is an American professional baseball center fielder in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds.

Contents

Amateur career

Almora attended Mater Academy Charter School in Hialeah Gardens, Florida. In 2011, Almora was named USA Baseball's athlete of the year after leading the 18 and under team to a 9–0 record and being named the tournament MVP. He played on six national teams while in high school, tying a record. [1] He won the USA Baseball Richard W. "Dick" Case Player of the Year Award in 2011. [2] [3] He committed to play college baseball at the University of Miami. [4]

Professional career

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs selected Almora in the first round, with the sixth overall selection, in the 2012 MLB draft out of Mater Academy Charter School. He signed with the Cubs, receiving a $3.9 million signing bonus. MLB.com ranked Almora as the second-best prospect in the Cubs organization in 2013, [5] and the 39th ranked prospect in all of baseball.

Almora with the Chicago Cubs during spring training in 2014 Albert Almora (cropped).jpg
Almora with the Chicago Cubs during spring training in 2014

Almora spent 2012 with both the AZL Cubs and Boise Hawks, batting .321 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in 33 games. He played for the Kane County Cougars in 2013. He had a .329 batting average in 61 games played, as he missed time due to injury. After the 2013 season, the Cubs assigned Almora to the Arizona Fall League to gain more experience. [5] [6] In 2014, he played for the Daytona Cubs and Tennessee Smokies where he slashed .270/.291/.392 with nine home runs and 60 RBIs in 125 games.

Almora spent 2015 back with the Smokies where he batted .272 with six home runs and 46 RBIs in 106 games. He began 2016 with the Iowa Cubs. At Iowa prior to being called up, he was batting .318 in 54 games.

2016

Almora was promoted to the Cubs on June 7, 2016 when Jorge Soler was placed on the disabled list. [7] He made his first MLB career start in left field on June 8, 2016 against the Philadelphia Phillies [8] and on his first fielding opportunity threw out a runner at home to complete a double play. The following day, he got his first major league hit.

On November 2, 2016, in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Almora took over as a pinch runner for Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs designated hitter who opened the top of the 10th inning with a lead-off single to right. Almora advanced to second base on a rare tag-up play from first base thanks to a deep fly ball out hit by Kris Bryant. After Cleveland Indians pitcher Bryan Shaw intentionally walked Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, Almora scored the go-ahead 7th run for the Cubs off of a double by Ben Zobrist. The Cubs went on to win the game 8-7, earning their first World Series victory since 1908 thanks in part to Almora's baserunning skill. [9]

2017

In 132 games, Almora finished the season with a .298 batting average, eight home runs, and 46 RBIs. He also changed the name on the back of his jersey from 'Almora Jr.' to just 'Almora.’

2018

On April 22, in an away game against the Colorado Rockies, Almora made three leaping catches in center field; in the first, second and ninth innings of the Cubs' 9–7 win. [10] Almora finished his 2018 campaign batting .286 with five home runs and 41 RBIs in 152 games. He was the final out of the 2018 NL Wild Card Game against Colorado, struck out by Scott Oberg to end the 13 inning, 2–1 Rockies victory. [11]

2019

Almora opened the 2019 season on Chicago's 25-man roster. [12]

2020

Almora opened the 2020 season on Chicago's 26-man Opening Day roster but was optioned to the alternate training site, located in South Bend, Indiana. Before being sent down, Almora was platooning with Ian Happ, who the Cubs named their starting centerfielder. [13] Almora was hitting .167 with five hits in 30 at-bats. He was optioned when the Cubs received Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers. On December 2, Almora was non-tendered by the Cubs. [14]

New York Mets

Almora signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets on February 10, 2021. [15] On May 12, 2021, Almora was placed on the ten-day injured list after running full speed into the outfield wall at Citi Field the night before. [16] In 52 at-bats for the Mets, Almora hit .115 with 0 home runs and 0 RBI's. On September 26, 2021, Almora was designated for assignment by the Mets. [17] On October 7, Almora elected free agency. [18]

Cincinnati Reds

On March 20, 2022, the Cincinnati Reds signed Almora to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. [19] [20] He was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats to begin the year.

On May 4, 2022, Almora was selected to the active roster. [21] On May 23, Almora was removed from the 40-man roster and returned to Triple-A Louisville, but was re-selected to the active roster hours later. [22] On June 4, Almora hit a grand slam, the second of his career, off of Jordan Weems of the Washington Nationals. [23] In 64 games for the Reds, he batted .223/.282/.349 with 5 home runs and 29 RBI. On September 9, Almora was designated for assignment by Cincinnati, [24] and released by the team on September 12. [25]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On February 23, 2024, Almora signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. [26]

Personal life

Almora's father, Albert Sr., played baseball in Cuba before he defected to the United States. [5] Almora began training with his father when he was three years old. Albert is so close to Manny Machado that Almora considers him to be his cousin, though they are not related by blood. Machado was quoted as saying that he would love to play with Almora and win a World Series together, a dream they had as kids. [1] [5]

Almora married former Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers dancer Krystal Gregorio on July 21, 2016. [27] Their first child, a son, was born in August 2016. [28]

Almora chose "Tico" as his nickname for the Players Weekend during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. [29] He says that the nickname was given to him as a child for his rowdy nature.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Patterson</span> American baseball player (born 1979)

Donald Corey Patterson is an American former professional baseball center fielder. Currently, he is the manager of the Brookhaven Bucks in the Sunbelt Baseball League. He is the older brother of infielder Eric Patterson, and the son of former NFL defensive back Don Patterson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Harris</span> American baseball player

William Charles Harris is an American professional baseball coach who is currently the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is also a former Major League Baseball outfielder and second baseman with the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds between 2001 and 2012. With the White Sox, he won the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. He attended Middle Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University and lives in Cairo, Georgia during the off-season. He is the nephew of former third baseman and shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants, Ernest Riles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marlon Byrd</span> American baseball player

Marlon Jerrard Byrd is an American former professional baseball outfielder, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians. He was an All-Star in 2010 with the Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Fontenot</span> American baseball player (born 1980)

Michael Eugene Fontenot Jr. is an American former professional baseball infielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. Fontenot was commonly used at second base, shortstop, or third base during his career. He won a World Series with the Giants in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Lobatón</span> Venezuelan baseball player

José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan former professional baseball catcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB)for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jorge Soler</span> Cuban baseball player (born 1992)

Jorge Carlos Soler Castillo is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Hamilton (baseball, born 1990)</span> American baseball player

Billy Rayshun Hamilton is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox. The Reds selected Hamilton in the second round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addison Russell</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Addison Wayne Russell is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League. Russell was drafted 11th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2014. In 2015, Baseball America listed Russell as the third-best prospect in professional baseball. He made his MLB debut with the Cubs in April 2015 and was an All-Star in 2016. That same year, Russell won the World Series with the Cubs. He has previously played in the KBO League for the Kiwoom Heroes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Naquin</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Tyler Wesley Naquin is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox. Prior to playing professionally, Naquin played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Javier Báez</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1992)

Ednel Javier "Javy" Báez, nicknamed "El Mago", is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). On the international level, he represents the Puerto Rican national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arismendy Alcántara</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1991)

Arismendy Alcántara is a Dominican professional baseball center fielder and second baseman for the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. Alcántara signed as an international free agent with the Chicago Cubs in 2008 as a shortstop. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds and in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Vogelbach</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Daniel Taylor Vogelbach is an American professional baseball designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Mets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Schwarber</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Kyle Joseph Schwarber is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, and Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Happ</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Ian Edward Happ is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at the University of Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team. The Cubs selected Happ in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2017. Happ was an All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 2022 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Wisdom</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Patrick Ian-Cashel Wisdom is an American professional baseball third baseman and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Saint Mary's Gaels. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut in 2018. He previously played in MLB for the Cardinals and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeimer Candelario</span> Dominican-American baseball player (born 1993)

Jeimer Candelario is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Washington Nationals. He has played for the Dominican Republic national baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phillip Evans (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Phillip Mathew Evans is an American professional baseball infielder in the Atlanta Braves organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates, and has played for the Mexico national baseball team in international competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Vosler</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Jason Glenn Vosler is an American professional baseball third baseman in the Seattle Mariners organization. He played college baseball at Northeastern University, and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johneshwy Fargas</span> Puerto Rican baseball player

Johneshwy Ali Fargas is a Puerto Rican professional baseball outfielder for the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. Fargas was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 11th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Narciso Crook</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1995)

Narciso Crook is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2022 with the Chicago Cubs.

References

  1. 1 2 "Prep star Albert Almora could be a top-10 Draft pick | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Reese McGuire Wins USA Baseball Player of the Year Award". Baseball America. Archived from the original on July 4, 2015.
  3. ↑ "USA Baseball names year-end award winners". usabaseball.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2015.
  4. ↑ "How Almora Jr. became part of the World Series puzzle". February 25, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Albert Almora: Albert Almora's dedication a family affair – Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. October 12, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Albert Almora leads Mesa's charge as Cubs stars shine | cubs.com: News". Chicago.cubs.mlb.com. October 9, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  7. ↑ Gonzales, Mark (June 7, 2016). "Cubs place Jorge Soler on 15-day DL, Albert Almora Jr. promoted". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  8. ↑ Gonzales, Mark. "Cubs' Albert Almora Jr. makes first start in left field, first pitch moved to 12:20 p.m." Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  9. ↑ Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  10. ↑ Santaromita, Dan (April 22, 2018). "Albert Almora Jr. was all over the Coors Field outfield". NBC News. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Colorado Rockies 2, Chicago Cubs 1". Retrosheet. October 2, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Cubs' Opening Day roster from A(lmora) to Z(obrist)". March 27, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Ross on Happ: 'He's the real deal'". MLB.com . August 9, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Cubs non-tender OFs Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora". Chicago Sun Times. December 2, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Albert Almora and Mets finalize 1-year, $1.25M contract". ESPN. Associated Press. February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  16. ↑ Pantorno, Joe (May 12, 2021). "Mets notes: Jeff McNeil 'OK', Albert Almora to 10-day IL". AM New York Metro . Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Mets' Albert Almora: DFA'd Sunday".
  18. ↑ Anthony Franco (October 7, 2021). "Players Recently Electing Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  19. ↑ @Reds (March 20, 2022). "The #Reds today announced the following transactions" (Tweet). Retrieved March 20, 2022– via Twitter.
  20. ↑ McDonald, Darragh (March 20, 2022). "Reds To Sign Albert Almora". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Albert Almora Jr. Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Reds' Albert Almora: Contract selected by Reds". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Albert Almora Jr.'s grand slam | 06/04/2022". MLB.com. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Reds' Albert Almora: DFA'd by Cincy". cbssports.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Reds' Albert Almora: Let go by Cincinnati". cbssports.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  26. ↑ "D-backs Sign Almora and Garlick to Minor League Deals". si.com. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Cubs' Albert Almora Jr. gets married on his off-day, then sent to Iowa". Chicago Tribune. July 22, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Cubs' Albert Almora Jr. says wife Krystal 'is doing much better'". Chicago Tribune. July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  29. ↑ "MLB Players Weekend to showcase unique nicknames, colorful uniforms". Chicago Sun-Times. August 10, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.