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Cleveland Indians making mistake with Jose Ramirez

By David Hill

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Third baseman Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians throws out Gio Urshela #29 of the New York Yankees at first during the fourth inning of Game One of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 29: Third baseman Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians throws out Gio Urshela #29 of the New York Yankees at first during the fourth inning of Game One of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Indians find themselves in an interesting position. They have worked to tear down their payroll, to the point where they now have the lowest payroll in the majors. Virtually any player that had made more than a couple of million dollars has been sent elsewhere as ownership claims poverty.

Even with this firesale, the Indians still have one key trade chip left. Now that Nolan Arenado has been dealt to the Cardinals, Jose Ramirez is the top third baseman that could be on the trade block. Nonetheless, the Indians are claiming that he is not available.

Cleveland Indians making a mistake with Jose Ramirez

On the surface, it is understandable as to why that would be the case. Despite his status as the highest paid player on the Indians’ roster, he remains extremely underpaid. He is due just $9.4 million this season, and has two team options worth a combined $24 million.

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Ramirez posted another stellar season in 2020. The AL MVP runner up posted an excellent .292/.386/.607 batting line in his 254 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 16 doubles while stealing ten bases. Although defensive metrics were not a fan of his glovework last year, he has been a solid third baseman over his career.

His affordable contract and excellent production would make Ramirez a hotly desired commodity on the trade block. In fact, several contending teams are in need of a third baseman, and could provide Cleveland with an impressive haul of prospects. Such a trade could not only help the current financial situation, but could also set the Indians up for the future.

Instead, Cleveland is choosing to keep Ramirez. While he is now the centerpiece of their offense, it is difficult to see how this roster will contend in 2021. Both the Twins and White Sox have improved, and the route to the second Wild Card will be difficult. The Indians may have a stellar rotation, but they need far more than Ramirez in the lineup.

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The Cleveland Indians have made the decision to rebuild. They may as well go all the way and trade Jose Ramirez as well.

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