So You’re Saying There’s Still a Chance (for Hanley’s return)?

I haven’t given up hope that the Dodgers will bring back superstar Hanley Ramirez to finish off his career with Los Angeles. One of my favorite Ned Colletti deals would have to be the trade with the Miami Marlins.  The deal sent right-handed starter Nathan Eovaldi and minor leaguer Scott McGough to Miami in exchange for their franchise player Hanley Ramirez plus left-handed reliever Randy Choate.

The trade still seems great to me today since Hanley Ramirez went on to have a successful two and a half seasons with the Dodgers. His captivating smile was relit once he put on Blue and moved on from the bleak atmosphere in Miami. Hanleywood was fun. There was I See You, and Hanley, with the Dodgers, once again showed glimpses of that batting champion he once was as a Marlin in 2009 when he hit .342 over 151 games.

Chris Cotillo of SBNation.com wrote about the remaining possibility of Hanley returning to the Dodgers next year.

The Dodgers don’t want to completely rule out a Ramirez reunion before they explore all options for shortstop in 2015 and beyond. With Corey Seager sticking at shortstop, the Dodgers don’t want to sign a shortstop to a long-term deal. Many teams are interested in Hanley including the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Astros and Mariners. I’m sure there are other teams checking in on Hanley as well. Hanley has been posting work out videos on his Instagram account documenting his offseason training.  

Impressive. I don’t think Alexei Ramirez could do that.

Hanley Ramirez during Spring Training 2014. Camelback Ranch. Photo: Stacie Wheeler

While I’d be surprised if the Dodgers can work out a deal with the White Sox for Alexei Ramirez, I would be okay with that option for shortstop until Seager is ready. I’ve mentioned before that I don’t think the Dodgers are ready to hand over starting shortstop duties to either Erisbel Arruebarrena or Alex Guerrero. Although I’d love to see a Dodger roster which includes both Hanley and Erisbel.

Hanley gets hurt a lot. Hanley can’t play 150 games anymore. Hanley can still hit a ball clear to the moon. Hanley is a great postseason hitter. Hanley can’t play shortstop. The pros and cons can be listed, but Hanley is still a formidable offensive part of the Dodgers lineup. The defensive shortcomings of Hanley is the polarizing aspect of his value in the National League. Since Hanley will garner more money from the American League on a multi-year deal, the Dodgers most likely won’t match those offers (if the Dodgers even extend him another offer).

Hanley declined the Dodgers’ $15.3 qualifying offer this month, and they will get an additional draft pick if Ramirez signs with another team. It seems like Hanley may not sign for awhile, and I’m sure the Dodgers are scouring their options at shortstop. With outfielders to move, a bullpen to bolster, more pitching to secure and some shortstop and catching shopping, Andrew Friedman and his new team have a lot of offseason work ahead.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying Hanley’s social media posts chronicling his Lamborghini rides and his superhuman strength.