2012 MLB Free Agents: Brewers Sign Aramis Ramirez
By Editorial Staff
The Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly reached a three-year agreement with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports is reporting that the contract’s total value should fall in the $34-37 million range, but that the numbers have yet to be confirmed.
The Brewers were dealt an unexpected blow this weekend when it was announced that MVP outfielder Ryan Braun had failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs. Braun is currently appealing the decision, but no one has ever won such an appeal. If the decision stands, Braun will be forced to miss the first 50 games of the 2012 season as punishment for his failed test.
On top of the Braun situation, Milwaukee was already preparing to enter the 2012 season without one of the league’s premier power hitters, Prince Fielder. Though he has yet to sign, many speculate that Fielder will not be returning to Milwaukee next season.
Without their top two power hitters from 2011, the Brewers needed to find a middle-of-the-order bat for next season.
Ramirez certainly qualifies.
The 33-year-old carries a career OPS of .842, but hit at a clip of .294/.356/.531 over his past nine seasons with the Cubs. After a down 2010, Ramirez hit .306/.361/.510 with 35 doubles, 26 home runs and 93 RBI’s last year in his 149 games with the Cubs.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.