In most instances, when a player with at least 16 seasons of solid performance retires, the same question is asked: his he the Hall of Famer? Aramis Ramirez is no different. MLB Trade Rumors recently reported Ramirez is likely to retire after the 2015 season. Ramirez has spent 18 seasons in the big leagues with the Pirates, Cubs and Brewers, and has put up solid numbers for his career. Is he a borderline Hall of Famer?
19-year old rookie to dependable slugger
Ramirez on May 26, 1998 for the Pirates, and in 72 games that season didn’t have eye-popping numbers. He struggled to stay in the majors his first three seasons, splitting time between Pittsburgh and Triple-A Nashville. His first breakout season was 2001, when he hit. 300 with 34 homers and 112 RBIs, which caught the attention of manager Lloyd McClendon, and Ramirez was inserted into the line-up as the regular third baseman for 2002 also. His numbers dropped significantly, to .234-18-71, but he redeemed himself at the beginning of 2003, hitting .280-12-67 with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Cubs on July 23, 2003 with outfielder Kenny Lofton for three players. This altered Ramirez’s career because the Cubs had been suffering a revolving door of third baseman that season, and Ramirez was their answer. He finished the season hitting .259 with the Cubs with 15 homers and 39 RBIs in 63 games.
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Main Photo:
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 24: Aramis Ramirez #16 of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a double in the 4th inning during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 24, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
