Hanley Ramirez: Top five trade destinations

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The Boston Red Sox have a busy week ahead of them at the Winter Meetings, and one of several things they’ll try to accomplish is moving the contract of Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez was a failed experiment in left field in 2015, and still has 3 years and $68.25-million remaining on his deal as well as a $22-million vesting option for 2019.

Moving the three-time All-Star will be no easy task, but isn’t impossible. Ramirez is still just 32, and did hit 19 home runs last season (even if 10 were in April). A change of scenery could get Ramirez back to his old self, as he’s still just two years removed from placing eighth in National League MVP voting (even though he missed the second half of the season due to injury).

So if Boston does end up moving Ramirez, where might he end up? Here are the top five potential destinations:

Next: Number 5: Houston Astros

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4. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners could use an upgrade at first base over Jesus Montero, and Ramirez could be an option if other pursuits fall through. Seattle could use another bat to team with Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager and Nelson Cruz, and inserting Ramirez into that fold could be the final stamp on a lineup that has also added Chris Ianneta, Leonis Martin and Nori Aoki this winter.

The Mariners would be better served putting their remaining financial resources towards adding another starter, though it’s unclear who they would target with Hisashi Iwakuma now heading to the Dodgers. But the fact that they were in on Iwakuma late indicates there’s money remaining in the budget, and like Houston, Seattle could look at Ramirez as a backup option if other targets land elsewhere.

Next: Number 3: Chicago White Sox

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3. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have a contract of their own that hasn’t worked out so well: that of first baseman Adam LaRoche. But unlike that of Ramirez, LaRoche’s deal is up after this year. But the two clubs could still be a match.

The Red Sox would currently rely on a combination of Travis Shaw and Brock Holt at first next season if Ramirez were moved, but have the opportunity to add a top defensive option with some pop in the form of LaRoche. The veteran has struggled adjusting to being a designated hitter, and could regain some form at the plate by moving back into the field full-time. Shaw could be used as trade bait with LaRoche in the fold, as the Red Sox are also reportedly looking to reshape their pitching staff.

The White Sox would get Ramirez, who would step in to replace LaRoche as the full-time designated hitter. He could also spell Mike Olt at third base, or give Jose Abreu a day off at first if needed. The fit is an imperfect one, but could be an option as Boston looks to dump its struggling “first baseman.”

Next: Number 2: Cleveland Indians

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2. Cleveland Indians

The Indians are in need offense and outfield help, and Ramirez could fill both needs at once. While Ramirez is a liability in the outfield, Cleveland is just desperate for bodies, and could take a chance on the struggling slugger in hopes that he can turn things around and provide an offensive presence to help the Indians jump the rest of the pack in the American League Central.

The Indians also currently have potential playing time available at first base or designated hitter (depending on where Carlos Santana spends most of his time next year), so Ramirez wouldn’t have to be a full-time field player, limiting the strain he would put on the club defensively.

With Cleveland in such a bind regarding their offense, it’s been mentioned frequently that the club could opt to trade one of their top starters to add some pop in the outfield. Adding Ramirez would likely require a significantly smaller return in a trade, would would allow the team to hang onto the bulk of its rotation or save it to add an additional bat. Taking on the contract of Chris Johnson (owed at least $17-million through 2017) could also entice the Indians to do the deal.

Next: Number 1: Baltimore Orioles

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1. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles seem likely to lose Chris Davis, which should deliver a serious blow to an offense that already showed signs of weakness without Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in 2015. While a reunion Davis is not impossible, it sounds like there will be enough interest in his services around the league to push the former home run leader out of Baltimore’s price range.

The Orioles have already gone out and acquired Mark Trumbo to add some insurance in the event Davis walks, though even with Davis the club could still use another bat. Trumbo is currently penciled in at first base, with Nolan Remold tabbed as the club’s starting left fielder and designated hitter. Ramirez would be an upgrade over Reimold offensively, and could get the bulk of his at-bats as a DH. Despite his defensive shortcomings, he could also provide some insurance at first, shortstop, third and left field in case one of Trumbo, Reimold, J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado goes down with an injury.

Buck Showalter has shown an ability in the past to revive the careers of struggling hitters, and pairing Ramirez with Showalter and hitter-friendly Camden Yards would provide him with as good a chance as any to resurrect his career.