Boston Red Sox: Hanley Ramirez attempting comeback
It would be easy to imagine that Hanley Ramirez had faded off into retirement. The former Boston Red Sox top prospect had been unceremoniously dumped by the Indians after a miserable 16 game stretch in 2019, his career seemingly over. He had just seemingly disappeared into obscurity.
But that has changed. Ramirez is hoping to make a comeback at 38 years old as he has launched a comeback with the Tigres de Licey in the Dominican Winter League.
Hanley Ramirez will launch a comeback in Winter Ball in the DR. Turns 38 in December. @hgomez27 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 3, 2021
Former Boston Red Sox prospect Hanley Ramirez attempting comeback
There was a time when Ramirez was one of the best players in the game. From 2006 through 2014 he had produced an excellent 132 OPS+ over his 5270 plate appearances, hitting 191 homers and 303 doubles while stealing 261 bases. A four time All Star and the 2006 NL Rookie of the Year, he appeared to be on a Hall of Fame track.
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When he returned to Boston ahead of the 2015 season, he was considered to be one of the missing pieces. At 31 years old, he was still in his prime, theoretically capable of being a strong middle of the order presence. Although he struggled in that first season back with the Red Sox, Ramirez had an excellent 2016 campaign, showing that those hopes may not have been misguided.
But everything fell apart after that point. He managed a disappointing 93 OPS+ in his following 748 plate appearances, being designated for assignment on May 30, 2018. Although no one was interested in his services that season, he signed a minor league deal with the Indians for 2019. Ramirez surprised during spring training, making the Opening Day roster as Cleveland’s designated hitter, but was released after 64 OPS+ in 57 plate appearances.
Now, with over two full years off, he is looking to come back. With the expectation that the designated hitter will become universal in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, Ramirez may be able to find a taker for his services if he has a strong showing in the Dominican Winter League. For a budget conscious team looking for a lottery ticket, Ramirez could be the answer.
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Former Boston Red Sox prospect Hanley Ramirez is looking to make a comeback. He is joining the Tigres de Licey in the Dominican Winter League.