Mets Rumors: Hanley Ramirez pursuit does not appear likely

If you want the New York Mets to sign Hanley Ramirez, you may not see your wish come true.

In a surprising turn of events, the Boston Red Sox have designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment. It’s only a matter of days before he finds a new home. Could he become the latest veteran to join the New York Mets?

According to Andy Martino of SNY, it’s not likely. As he notes, Ramirez is a part-time player at this point who wouldn’t give the Mets much more than they currently have.

When the news broke, I’m sure Mets fans everywhere thought about what Ramirez would look like in the blue and orange. He fits in perfectly with what they’ve been doing. As a player way past his prime and into his mid-30s, Ramirez is similar to recent signee Jose Bautista. The bigger difference is that Ramirez has actually produced this season.

Through 195 plate appearances in 2018, Ramirez has hit .256/.313/.395 with six home runs. He’s killing lefties, but not fairing so well against righties. This is quite typical of older power hitters. Ramirez is no exception.

The biggest issue with adding Ramirez is where the Mets could fit him in. They’re already squeezed for roster spots once Yoenis Cespedes and Todd Frazier return. Assuming Jose Reyes departs when the next guy comes back, that still leaves them with an overflow.

As some may remember, another team in the past employed both Reyes and Ramirez. The 2012 Miami Marlins tried to pair them together on the left side of their infield. That disastrous season is now long in the past, but an interesting footnote into how many of Reyes’ former teammates are entering the picture, possibly prepared to take his job.

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Speaking of Reyes’ teammates from cities past, the Mets could always say goodbye to Bautista. Parting ways with him won’t cost much at all. However, the benefit of having Joey Bats over Ramirez is that the former has played the outfield more efficiently and recently. This team needs more than a first base exclusive player. In that regard, Ramirez does not fit in.

It would certainly make sense for the Mets to at least explore the option.

There isn’t a vast market for first basemen like Ramirez.

However, I could see someone offering Ramirez more than the league minimum. In which case, is he someone the Mets should sign?

Before they can get their hands on him, we can expect 28 other teams to look at Ramirez and what he can offer them. Considering he’s not an absolute dumpster fire, I can see a scenario where a simply team outbids the Mets for his services. That’s if they even have any interest at all.

Though it’s more of the same, Ramirez can give the Mets some good pop against left-handed pitchers. Depending on how long they will be without Cespedes on Frazier will factor into whether or not they make a serious pursuit.

Likely, they do nothing and their 2011 World Series run is put on hold.

Next: Noah Syndergaard still searching for first complete game

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