Indians taking a chance on Hanley Ramirez

The Indians are signing three-time All-Star Hanley Ramirez to a minor league deal according to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.

While he isn’t the All-Star player he used to be, the Indians will look to see if the 35-year-old infielder has anything left in the tank.

Ramirez played in 44 games for the Boston Red Sox last season before they released him. He was hitting .254/.313/.395 with six home runs and 29 RBIs in 177 at-bats.

The production at the plate was fading in 2017 and 2018 after a 2016 season that seen Ramírez move to first base and hit .286/.361/.505 with 30 home runs and 111 RBIs in 549 at-bats (147 games).

In 14 major league seasons, Ramirez has appeared in 1,652 games and has a career stat line of .290/.361/.487 with 269 home runs and 909 RBIs.

His .848 career OPS is 23rd among active players.

His experience playing all over the infield is something the Indians would like if everything pans out.

Ramírez has played shortstop, first base and third base throughout his career with Miami, Los Angeles and Boston.

The Indians have third base secured with Jose Ramírez but first base is potentially available with Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers both flexible to the outfield.

Ramírez could also play shortstop until Francisco Lindor returns from his calf injury and they may even put Ramírez in the designated hitter spot if he has a solid March in spring training.

If he has anything left and can somehow get his bat back to form, it’ll be a steal by the Indians front office.

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