Does A Harold Ramirez Reunion Make Sense For Guardians?

Originally posted on FanNation Cleveland Baseball Insider
By Tommy Wild | Last updated 1/10/24

It's still pretty clear what the Cleveland Guardians need to do to improve on their offense from last season. They need more offense and more pop specifically from their outfielders. It'd be even better if that player could also be a right-handed hitter.

At this point in the offseason, that upgrade isn't going to come from a free-agent signing. There's a chance one of Cleveland's young players will take a step forward next season, but there are no guarantees.

That's why the best option to get more offense on the Guardians may be through a trade. Luckily for Cleveland, there's a player who's reportedly on the market that would be a tremendous fit.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported that the Tampa Bay Rays are shopping Harold Ramirez. Some Cleveland fans may recognize this name because he actually was a member of the then-named Indians during the 2021 season.

Ramirez was traded to the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations and he eventually found himself with the Rays.

The Colombian-born player was fairly solid for Cleveland three seasons ago. He hit .268 with an OPS of .703 which included 21 doubles and 58 RBI. The 2023 season was full of career highs for Ramirez as he finished with a slash line of .313/.353/.460 with 12 home runs and 68 RBI.

This type of production is an obvious upgrade over what Cleveland currently has on their roster and at 29 Ramirez still fits their timeline.

In some cases, acquiring Ramirez would be less of a risk than another trade because the organization has already seen Ramirez and knows about his ability, swing, etc.

The Rays and Guardians are no strangers to striking deals as they swapped SP Aaron Civale for 1B Kyle Manzardo at last year's deadline. Perhaps another trade can be worked out here if Cleveland deems Ramirez a fit.

This article first appeared on FanNation Cleveland Baseball Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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