UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost promising outfielder Jose Ramos to the New York Mets in a surprising turn of events as free agency kicks off. This significant development comes just hours after Ramos signed a minor-league contract with the Mets, marking a new chapter for the 24-year-old player who has been with the Dodgers since 2018.
The Dodgers, who struggled to find the right mix in the outfield last season, ranked just 18th in outfield fWAR at 4.3. With Mookie Betts transitioning to shortstop and Teoscar Hernández underperforming, the team has been seeking solutions to bolster their roster. Ramos, who peaked at No. 14 on the Dodgers’ top prospects list in 2022, has shown significant promise, hitting 92 home runs in 580 minor-league games, including 18 home runs in 102 games this past season.
Ramos’ decision to elect free agency on November 6, 2023, raised eyebrows, particularly as he is younger than most players making similar career moves. His impressive performance, including a stellar .916 OPS in 44 games with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, suggests he was eager for a more significant opportunity to showcase his talents at the major league level.
The Mets, having just traded left fielder Brandon Nimmo, are looking to fill the gaps in their lineup, and while Ramos may not be their first choice for a starting role, this could be a pivotal moment for him to prove himself. His power-hitting ability could provide much-needed depth to the Mets’ outfield.
As this story develops, baseball fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Ramos adapts to his new team and whether he can secure a spot on the Mets roster. The Dodgers’ decision to let a promising player like Ramos slip away raises questions about their strategy moving forward, especially as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
