Is a trade really feasible?
That leaves us with four candidates who conceivably could have interest in Ramirez. Would any of them have enough confidence in the veteran having a bounce-back year to take a chance on him?
The trade would be a pure salary dump, with the Red Sox expecting little in return. Boston would most likely have to eat at least some of Ramirez’ contract in any trade. If they offered to take responsibility for half of his 2018 salary it would still trim over $11 million from the payroll to keep them out of range for the heaviest tax penalties. It also frees the potential logjam that singing Martinez and Moreland would create. As an added bonus, Boston would be off the hook from worrying about managing Ramirez’ playing time to avoid letting his 2019 option vest.
Obtaining Ramirez at a reduced price should have some appeal to the few contenders with a need at his positions, while the Red Sox would have a clear path to their dream offseason of landing the top two free agent hitters.
Next: Free agents Red Sox should avoid
A limited market of lukewarm suitors won’t make a Ramirez deal easy but it’s certainly feasible. If Dombrowski is motivated to sign a star free agent then he’ll find a way to make it happen even if it means sending Hanley packing.