The Tampa Bay Rays have designated Harold Ramírez for assignment on Friday, per Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Florida. His spot on the team will go to infielder Taylor Walls, who returns from the 60-day injured list. Ramírez, 29, began the season as the primary designated hitter, though he recently had been relegated to the small side of the platoon. Ramírez has never provided much power, although he did hit .306 in 242 games over the previous two seasons. Through 169 plate appearances in 2024, he’s batting .268 with four extra-base hits. He could garner some interest on the waiver wire.
Wow. #Rays active SS Taylor Walls from the 60-Day IL and DFA… OF Harold Ramirez.
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) June 7, 2024
Harold Ramírez DFA’d by Tampa Bay
Ramírez’s .268 average is good, but his free-swinging approach has produced fewer walks at 1.8 percent, leading to a dismal .284 OBP. He’s seen a decline in power with one home run and three doubles in 169 plate appearances. However, Ramírez is hitting .310 against left-handed pitchers this season in 58 plate appearances and is slugging only .379 against them. He’s an ideal option for a short-side platoon singles hitter with limited defensive value. More importantly, Ramírez lacks minor league options.
The Rays Chose Walls or Ramírez
The Rays parted with Ramírez for Walls and his versatile, strong defensive abilities on the roster. There’s also Amed Rosario who’s hitting quite well in an infield/outfield role and Jonny DeLuca offering more defensive value than Ramírez. Rosario, DeLuca, Walls and catcher Alex Jackson will be the Rays’ bench group for now. Ramírez was the odd man out due to DeLuca and Richie Palacios, who the Rays acquired in the Tyler Glasnow trade. Palacio is hitting .262/.335/.369 and his versatility has given the Rays to rotate players through the DH spot.
Despite Ramírez’s defensive limitations and quality results at the plate, it’s unlikely any potential trade partner would take on the remainder of his contract. Between his club control through 2025 and $3.8 million salary, the Rays could pull off a trade if they’re willing to pay down some of the money still owed to Ramírez. If Ramírez does reach waivers, he can reject an outright assignment for free agency while retaining his entire salary.
If Ramírez Hits Free Agency
Ramírez could go in that direction, potentially attracting teams to bring him on board. He’s a lifetime .322/.357/.455 hitter against left-handers and has control for next season. Ramírez would be paid the prorated league minimum for any time spent on his new club’s roster. The Rays will either trade Ramírez or place him on waivers in the coming days.
Main Photo: © Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
