Washington Nationals: 5 potential catching candidates
By Drew Douglas
Wilson Ramos
Nats fans are well acquainted with Wilson Ramos from his seven seasons spent with the club, and he could return to DC in 2018. Known as “The Buffalo”, Ramos was always a fan favorite with the Nats, but departed in free agency prior to the 2017 season.
However, a reunion makes sense. Like the Marlins, the Tampa Bay Rays are beginning a rebuild. They recently traded face of the franchise Evan Longoria, and some of their other big-name players are likely to be traded as well.
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If the Rays continue with their rebuild, Ramos is an excellent trade candidate. He missed the beginning of 2017 while rehabbing from ACL surgery, but played well upon returning.
In 64 games, Ramos hit .260 and crushed 11 homers. It was not the spectacular offensive season that has become his norm, but it is understandable since he was returning from major knee surgery.
Of all of the Rays’ trade candidates, Ramos is among the most likely to be traded. 2018 is his final year under team control, so he may be playing elsewhere in the foreseeable future. For a team who does not plan to compete in 2018, Ramos is irrelevant.
Ramos could also fit well with the Nats. They would like to find a platoon partner for Wieters in order to decrease his playing time, which is where Ramos comes in.
Unfortunately, Ramos has undergone several major knee surgeries throughout his career, which forces him to have to miss more time than a typical catcher. If the Nats were to acquire Ramos, he could platoon with Wieters, which would limit both catchers’ playing time.
If the Nats elect to fill their catching need via trade, Ramos should be one of the leading candidates.
Next: Adam Eaton's return a welcome gift
The Nats’ catchers were a hot topic of discussion in 2017, which will lead to a shake-up in 2018. They have yet to acquire a new catcher, but Pedro Severino, Raudy Read, J.T. Realmuto, Alex Avila, and Wilson Ramos are five potential candidates.