The Los Angeles Dodgers have Shohei Ohtani, the greatest two-way player in baseball history.
But for one season, they also had one of the most entertaining position players to take the mound in recent memory.
Hanser Alberto announced his retirement this week, closing the book on an 18-year professional career that included a memorable stint as the Dodgers’ go-to mop-up pitcher.
Alberto spent just the 2022 season in Los Angeles, getting 159 plate appearances while also making 10 pitching appearances. The Dodgers happily let him finish off games that were already decided, and he delivered solid work on the mound.
In 11.0 innings, he posted a 4.09 ERA. Not bad for a guy who’s primary job was playing second base.
“From Luis Reynoso Little League to MLB, thank you baseball. You gave me everything, you shaped me into an excellent human being, and you helped me be a blessing to others… 18 years later, filled with gratitude and many beautiful memories, I take off my uniform, hang up my glove and cleats, and say goodbye… Thanks to God above all, to my family who are the best, to every organization I was with, to the coaches who helped me, to my friends who were always there for me, to the press who were always kind and courteous to me, and to all those wonderful fans who always enjoyed the best of me on the field. El Potro is out.”
Alberto’s best years came with the Baltimore Orioles, where he put together back-to-back solid seasons. He hit .305 with 12 home runs in 2019, then followed that up with a .283 average in the shortened 2020 campaign. That gave him a .299 mark across his two Baltimore seasons.
The utility infielder also suited up for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago White Sox during his MLB career. He finished with a .269 career average across 488 games while playing all over the infield.
What made Alberto unique was his willingness to pitch when needed. Beyond those 10 appearances with the Dodgers, he also took the mound four times for other teams throughout his career.
ICYMI: Former Dodger two-way player (🙃) Hanser Alberto announced his retirement from pro-ball earlier in the week. pic.twitter.com/7GQIGBPo6a
— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) January 25, 2026
Alberto’s last MLB action came in 2023 with the White Sox. He spent 2025 playing in the Mexican League before deciding to hang up his cleats for good.
It’s the end of an era for one of baseball’s most versatile players – a guy who could turn a double play and then close out a blowout game from the mound.
