On Tuesday afternoon, the New York Mets officially announced the signing of catcher Wilson Ramos to a two year, $19 million contract with a team option for the 2021 season.
It’s official, we’ve signed @WRamosC3 to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. #Mets pic.twitter.com/VAsYeTHZRr
— New York Mets (@Mets) December 18, 2018
GM Brodie Van Wagenen (BVW) and the Mets have been going back and forth with the Marlins in talks around JT Realmuto, however Miami’s asking price was just too much. Although Plan B is not a terrible one, as Ramos is a terrific right-handed presence in this lefty heavy lineup.
A Look at Ramos’ Career
Throughout his career, Ramos has had a bit of trouble staying on the field. However, when healthy he is an absolute force at the plate. In 2011 with the Nationals, he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 22 doubles, 15 home runs, and posting a .779 OPS.
The next three years he played in just a combined 191 games. However, in the 78 games he played in 2013 he posted a .777 OPS. In 2016, he was named to his first career All-Star game and was awarded his only career Silver Slugger. In 131 games, he hit 25 doubles, 20 home runs, and posted a slash line of .307/.354/.496 and an .850 OPS.
However, towards the end of the 2016 season he suffered a torn ACL in his knee. The Nationals decided to let him walk in free agency, and the Rays signed him to a two-year deal.
Ramos returned to the field towards the end of the season, appearing in only 64 games. However, he showed he could still produce at the plate. Last season, Ramos began the year with the Rays but was traded to the Phillies at the deadline.
He was named to his second career All-Star game and in a combined 111 games, he hit .306/.358/.487 with 22 doubles, and 15 home runs.
What Ramos Brings to the Mets
Catcher was one of the Mets biggest offseason needs, and Ramos is certainly a very nice addition. While he isn’t a big name addition like Realmuto, Ramos makes the Mets a better team and he is signed to a relatively cheap deal. There is also no denying that he is an absolute force offensively.
The Mets can now look to put together a duo of Travis d’Arnaud behind the plate and ship off Kevin Plawecki in a deal. Or as BVW suggested this afternoon, the team could carry three catchers. Either way, Ramos is certainly a very nice addition for the Metsies. Although, this does not mean BVW should be done for the winter.
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