Should Ramirez Return to the Sox?

October 13, 2015

FORT MYERS, FL - MARCH 6: Hanley Ramirez #13 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before the game against the Miami Marlins at Jet Blue Park on March 6, 2015 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

By Maria Santora 10/13/15
Hanley Ramirez’s performance this season proved why no one should ever assume anything.

Given his long track of success, most assumed Ramirez would bring stability and an offensive boost in 2015. That was nowhere near the case this season.

Ramirez and Sandoval (the third baseman for the Sox) rank as the two worst position players in MLB this season, according to FanGraphs.

Ramirez, who left the season early with a right shoulder injury, remained off the field for the second half of the season, coincidently that part of the season where the Sox were most successful.

The team went 35-33 since the All-Star break and ranked third in the MLB with 359 runs during that time. Ramirez only played in 28 of those games during which he batted just .183 and had zero home runs.

Ramirez had been the subject of trade rumors throughout much of the second half of the season, but those rumors began to dissipate after it was reported that he would relocate to first base in 2016.

Ramirez’s defense has been concerning for several seasons, which makes it hard to believe moving him to first base, an unfamiliar position, would be beneficial.

Ultimate Zone rating, a site that calculates how many runs a player saves or gives up on defense, showed that Ramirez cost the Sox at least seventeen runs this season while playing in left field

So, his offense is nonexistent, and his defense is questionable. Does Ramirez have any other redeeming qualities? Not exactly.

Ramirez, throughout his career, has been known for having an ego and a lack of motivation. During his contract with Miami he was benched for a lack of hustle. While in Los Angeles his manager was openly displeased with his lack of grit.

MLB Trade Rumors, a site that identifies free agent and trade rumors, stated that Ramirez has had the same issue while in Boston causing conflict between him and the coaching staff.

To tack on one more problem, Ramirez is considered aloof from his teammates. Former teammate Jon Lester once said that he is more likely to get struck by lightning than share a slice of pizza with Ramirez.

If he isn’t producing offensively or defensively, isn’t motivated to work hard, and isn’t getting along with the coaches or players, I think a trade may be in the Sox’s best interest.