The Tampa Bay Rays have been looking for a catcher for a very long time. They may finally have one now in Wilson Ramos
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Here are the main catchers along with their OPS over the past five seasons for the Tampa Bay Rays:
2016; Curt Casali .609 OPS
2015: Rene Rivera .489 OPS
2014: Jose Molina .417 OPS
2013: Molina .594
2012:Molina .694
Here is Wilson Ramos’ OPS in 2016: .850. That’s a major upgrade offensively behind the dish. The Rays big priority coming into the Winter Meetings was adding a catcher. The Rays may finally have their catcher after agreeing to a deal with Ramos.
#Rays are in agreement with Ramos on 2-yr deal pending physical and that physical is a big deal because of knee
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 7, 2016
Yes, the physical is big part especially when you’re coming off a torn ACL like Ramos is. (or if you sign with the Baltimore Orioles.
Here’s the money on the deal.
Ramos get $12.5M with playing time incentives to make 18.25M over 2 #rays
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 7, 2016
After having lasik eye surgery last off-season, Ramos looked like a completely different player in 2016. He made his first All-Star team and hit .307 with 22 homers and 80 RBI to go along with that .850 OPS. Per Statcorner, Ramos was slightly below average last season coming in at a -1.8 RAA.
When Ramos initially comes back, he’ll more than likely DH quite a bit as he gets back into shape, as well as dealing with the turf at Tropicana Field.
Ramos gives Evan Longoria some right-handed protection in the lineup, even if he isn’t ready until May or June. If Ramos comes back and is able to handle the load catching and the team struggles, the contract is friendly enough where the team can flip Ramos and get some nice value for him at the trade deadline. There was no qualifying offer attached to Ramos so the Rays will not have to sacrifice a draft pick for him.
The strength of the Tampa Bay Rays is obviously in their starting pitching. Wilson Ramos signing helps that strength in two ways.