Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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.