Cleveland Indians: 3 potential landing spots for Jose Ramirez
The Cleveland Indians had been adamant that Jose Ramirez would not be going anywhere. Even though they appeared to have begun a fire sale in the previous offseason, Ramirez stayed put. With two years of team control beyond this season, and an affordable contract, it was understandable why the Indians would hope to build around him.
But that was then. As the Indians have fallen flat coming out of the All Star Break, the time to embrace the rebuild may be upon them. As such, it has been reported that the Indians are considering trading Ramirez, who would immediately become one of the more attractive options available.
Three landing spots for Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez
Ramirez could potentially have a more robust market than Kris Bryant. Unlike the Cubs’ third baseman, Ramirez would be more than a rental. His affordable deal, as he would be due another $24 million should his options be exercised, would allow any acquiring team to build around him in the lineup. However, there is no guarantee that he will be on the move.
The Cleveland Indians are reportedly considering trading Jose Ramirez. Let us take a look at three possible landing spots.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have ridden a dominant bullpen and a solid starting rotation to the top spot in the NL Central. Their offense, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired.
The Brewers rank dead last in the National League in batting average and 12th in slugging. Their third basemen, in particular, have been mediocre at best, posting a .664 OPS with 21 homers. Travis Shaw was a dramatic disappointment before landing on the Injured list, and while Luis Urias has been solid in his place, he may best be suited as a utility man.
Ramirez would give the Brewers’ lineup an element that is sorely missing. He would be an instant improvement to the batting order, providing someone that can be paired with Christian Yelich to give Milwaukee a solid 1-2 punch in the middle of the order.
There may be added incentive for the Brewers to add Ramirez. The Bucks just won the NBA Championship, with the city rallied around them. The Brewers have yet to win a championship, and it is now their turn.
If the Cleveland Indians are making Jose Ramirez available, the Milwaukee Brewers need to pick up the phone. He could transform their lineup instantly.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are actively looking to upgrade their infield. Adding Jose Ramirez from the Cleveland Indians would certainly do that.
Such a trade would likely involve more moving parts than would be the case with most other teams. The Mariners have Kyle Seager, their long time third baseman, currently holding down the hot corner. However, as his $15 million option for 2022 would likely be declined, and he does not yet have 10-5 rights, Seattle could include him in a potential deal.
Seager has been relatively serviceable this season in the Mariners’ lineup. He has posted a decent 97 OPS+ with 18 homers and 17 doubles in his 403 plate appearances. However, his .215/.285/.416 batting line does leave a lot to be desired.
Ramirez would not only be an immediate upgrade to Seager in the lineup, but he would also improve the infield defensively as well. He has saved nine more runs at third than Seager has, and with his speed, would help Jerry Dipoto’s quest to make the team more athletic.
The Seattle Mariners may not be the first team to come to mind for the Cleveland Indians’ third baseman. However, it would not be a surprise if they looked to add Jose Ramirez to the roster.
New York Mets
Due to Major League Baseball guidelines, any potential player on the trade block has to be linked to the New York Mets, and that includes Cleveland Indians’ third baseman Jose Ramirez.
On a serious note, the Mets have been looking to upgrade third base for most of the season. While they have had solid enough production at the hot corner this year, they clearly do not trust J.D. Davis to hold the position for the long term. Jonathan Villar held down the position while Davis was on the Injured List, but he slots much better as a utility man.
Ramirez would also send a message to the rest of the roster. Owner Steve Cohen had said that the Mets would be willing to go over the luxury tax for the right players, and adding Ramirez would show that he is serious about making the Mets a perennial contender.
He would also be a better fit for the roster than Kris Bryant. As it is, the Mets will have several holes to fill in the lineup and pitching staff once the season ends. Having a player such as Ramirez, who has those additional years of team control, would allow the Mets to fill out their roster while knowing what their budget is at third.
Next. Indians have become the Guardians. dark
The New York Mets already made one blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Indians. Why not go for another?