As expected, Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez has reportedly rejected the Dodgers one-year / $15.3 million qualifying offer to remain with the team, this according to LA Times Dodgers beat reporter Dylan Hernandez (via Twitter).
Ramirez, a career .300 hitter, hit .299 with 43 home runs, 71 doubles, four triples and 173 RBIs during his two-plus seasons with the Dodgers. He appeared in a total of 278 games with the team.
Although Hanley’s powerful bat will be sorely missed in the heart of the Dodgers line up, his less-then-stellar glove and throwing arm will not. Ramirez made 16 errors during the 2014 season which ranked dead last among all National League shortstops playing at least 108 games at the position.
Without question Hanley’s biggest error as a Dodger came on June 18, 2014 when his wide throw to Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez cost Clayton Kershaw what should have been the 24th perfect game in baseball history. Kershaw still tossed his first career no-hitter that night, but for Hanley’s error it would have been a perfect game.
Although it is still possible that the Dodgers could offer Ramirez a free agent contract, it is highly unlikely that they will do so with the 30-year-old Samana, Dominican Republic native undoubtedly seeking a five or six-year deal in the $130 million range and with 20-year-old top shortstop prospect Corey Seager a year (or less) away from the big leagues.
Ramirez made $16 million with the Dodgers in 2014 so his rejection of the $15.3 million qualifying offer comes as no surprise and was expected all along.
@Think_BlueLA I’m not going to read this because it will make me sad.
@jaymohr37 @danbeyeronfox Hanley rejected the offer…..Interesting #Dodgers #News #MLB #JayMohrSports #Top3at5?
– http://t.co/X91H8mCAvA
RT @Think_BlueLA: New: Adios Hanley Ramirez – http://t.co/U6Lcoycr3A #Dodgers
No surprise or disappointment here. I know Hanley is an exceptional player but is a high risk player spending so much time on the DL. A 5-6 year contract is simply too risky on a number of levels
The Dodgers simply have to get their payroll under control regardless of how much money they have. Being business people they want a good return on their investment and I expect don’t like having the biggest payroll and not making it to the dance.
Hanley and Chad are perhaps one way to start shaving payroll. I expect Andre has to go but I don’t know how they cut payroll there most likely eating a considerable chunk.
Well it looks like one position is open. At least it looks that way. You got to start somewhere to bring in the guys on the farm.
It won’t be someone from the farm, Joe. Not yet, that is.