Edward Olivares is already ahead of the curve simply by being in the major leagues.
The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder began his career with modest beginnings. Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an 18-year-old international amateur free agent from Venezuela, Olivares received a bonus of just $1,000.
The minimum signing age for Latin American amateurs is 16, and those who sign later often receive smaller bonuses. Thus, Olivares’ initial contract was not lucrative.
However, Olivares is making up for it now. In his fifth major-league season, he is earning $1.35 million after becoming eligible for salary arbitration for the first time last winter.
While his salary is nowhere near the $70 million over ten seasons that the Los Angeles Dodgers will pay Shohei Ohtani, Olivares isn’t complaining. The 28-year-old is enjoying his first season with the Pirates after being traded from the Kansas City Royals on December 15 for minor-league infielder Deivis Nadal.
“I’m really happy to be here,” Olivares recently said through translator Stephen Morales. “The organization believed in me enough to bring me here, and I’m glad to play in front of this passionate fanbase. I’m having a lot of fun with the Pirates.”
Olivares has secured a spot in the platoon as a right fielder, usually starting against left-handed pitchers. First baseman Rowdy Tellez plays against righties, with Connor Joe shifting from first base to right field.
While Olivares isn’t a key player for the Pirates, general manager Ben Cherington didn’t expect him to be. However, Olivares has made some contributions, hitting five home runs in 41 games and maintaining a slightly below-average slash line of .229/.293/.374.
Known for his poor defense, Olivares’ minus-5 defensive runs saved haven’t improved his reputation. Nonetheless, he can still make an impact. He became the first Pirates player this season to reach base twice in the same inning on June 5 in a 10-6 win over the Dodgers at PNC Park, going 2 for 2 with two walks and three runs scored.
The Pirates are pleased with Olivares’ overall performance.
“Just really reliable,” Cherington said. “He doesn’t play all the time, but when he does, you feel like he’s going to have a good at-bat. He’s worked hard on his defense and made some improvements. He’s a reliable, positive teammate and a pleasure to be around. Overall, he’s been a good fit.”
Olivares found out about the trade while playing winter ball in Venezuela. Though surprised, he saw it as a new opportunity.
“I just saw it as another chance to grow as a player,” Olivares said. “I rely on my ability to play hard all the time. As a young player new to this team, I want to play hard and help us win. I just want to contribute.”
Indeed, Olivares has outperformed that initial $1,000 bonus the Blue Jays gave him as a teenager.
