Red Sox: Finding a trade partner to take Hanley Ramirez
By Sean Penney
Contenders without a need
Unfortunately, the list of contenders with an opening at either position and the money to take on Hanley’s contract isn’t very long.
The New York Yankees are committed to Greg Bird at first base but could use a DH. It’s unlikely Boston would help out their biggest division rival even in a salary dump that benefits them as well, while the Yankees remain intent on ducking the luxury tax and would have no interest in taking on Hanley’s salary.
None of the other AL East teams are ready to compete with Boston and New York for the division crown so a one-year rental on Ramirez does them no good.
The Minnesota Twins weren’t close to winning their division but still made the playoffs. Many believe they overachieved a bit but should still be in the mix for the Wild Card again. Joe Mauer is locked in at first base. Ramirez would be an upgrade over Kennys Vargas or Robbie Grossman at DH but not enough of one to warrant a borderline-contender paying his salary.
The World Series champion Houston Astros are set with Yuli Gurriel at first base. Evan Gattis will presumably take over most of the DH duties following the retirement of Carlos Beltran. Houston may look for a left-handed bat to platoon with Gattis but Ramirez wouldn’t be a solution.
A Seatle Mariners team vying for one of the Wild Card spots could look to upgrade the lineup but presumably, they are committed to Ryon Healy after acquiring him in a trade with the Oakland A’s. With Nelson Cruz locked in at DH there would be no clear path to playing time for Ramirez in Seattle.