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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