Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: How Much Hanley Ramirez Could Get In Extension

Hanley RamirezThe Dodgers 2014 off-season has seen a few players depart to other teams, a few re-sign and a few newcomers from other teams. However, one of the bigger stories has been a possible contract extension for shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

The 30-year-olds contract runs one more year with the team before he can become a free agent. He hinted earlier this winter that he’s been in talks with the Dodgers for a new deal that would keep him in Los Angeles even longer.

Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles wrote his thoughts about a possible annual value for the slugging infielder:

If Ramirez’s body holds up for five or six years, he could be a bargain (relatively speaking) at something like $15 million per year.

Ramirez is currently in the last year of a six-year, $70 million deal that he signed with the Miami Marlins back in 2008. Things quickly went sour with the Marlins and he was traded to the Dodgers in 2012. He followed a strong ending to the 2012 season with a superb 2013 season, despite playing in just 86 games due to injuries. Ramirez hit .345 with 20 home runs and 57 RBI, adding 10 stolen bases in just over 330 plate appearances.

Saxon compared Ramirez value to that of Colorado Rockies’ shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, New York Mets’ third baseman David Wright and Texas Rangers’ third baseman Adrian Beltre. Each of them recently signed new deals in the $15-18 million annual range.

The shortstop has expressed his interest in remaining in Los Angeles and has shown his dedication to the team by playing with a broken rib in the NLCS. What Ramirez lacks on defense, he makes up for with his hitting and speed and he’s been a favorite in the clubhouse.

The Dodgers would like to lock up Ramirez this off-season and secure their middle of the order for the significant future.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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