Chicago White Sox All-Star shortstop Alexei Ramirez is reportedly at the center of trade inquiries from at least a few prominent MLB clubs.
This revelation comes from CBSChicago.com’s Bruce Levine, who offered more details on the high demand regarding the 33-year-old veteran:
The interested teams include the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers. All of these franchises are looking for a reliable shortstop to anchor their infields. The Mets have been the most aggressive in their pursuit of a shortstop over the past 12 months. General manager Sandy Alderson has had his top scouts looking at shortstops such as Ramirez.
Ramirez is a valuable asset in the infield with his strong arm and defensive ability. He also has some pop at the plate, evident in his two Silver Slugger Awards from 2010 and 2014.
The latter of those accolades was just announced Thursday, per ESPNChicago.com’s Doug Padilla:
Despite somewhat advanced age in MLB terms, there is plenty of incentive for a team needing a quality shortstop to attempt to land him in a trade.
Only two years remain on Ramirez’s current contract (h/t Spotrac.com), and he’s owed a rather modest $10 million in salary in each of the next two seasons. Considering how vital of a position shortstop is and Ramirez’s strong 2014 form, the Mets or another team could be looking at a great deal.
Newsday‘s Marc Carig weighed in on the speculation that Ramirez could wind up in a Mets uniform:
The Mets are an intriguing destination, as Ramirez would join an infield that already features seven-time All-Star third baseman David Wright. However, the lure of the Big Apple’s pinstripe powerhouse in the Bronx or the glamor of L.A. may be even more suitable.
Chicago also has to take its future outlook into account after two straight losing seasons before shipping a prized commodity in Ramirez out of town. Selling the fanbase may be difficult if the White Sox trade away Ramirez or any of their other valuable contributors.
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