Milwaukee Brewers to pick up Aramis Ramirez’s $14 million option

Jun 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Aramis Ramirez (16) celebrates his three-run home run with center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) against the Minnesota Twins in the 7th inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Aramis Ramirez (16) celebrates his three-run home run with center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) against the Minnesota Twins in the 7th inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Milwaukee Brewers intend to pick up third baseman Aramis Ramirez’s 2015 option, worth $14 million, reports CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. Milwaukee also could have declined the option in lieu of a $4 million buyout, but it appears the Brewers are happy with Ramirez at the hot corner.

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Ramirez is no spring chicken anymore, at 36 years old, but the Brewers probably felt more comfortable keeping him as its third baseman than exploring the free agent or trade markets this winter. 2014 was Ramirez’s third season in Milwaukee, and he slashed .295/.341/.447, with a wRC+ of 118. Ramirez also had 15 home runs and was worth 2.5 fWAR while batting cleanup.

This further weakens an already poor free agent market for third basemen. Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants is the only top-tier third baseman potentially available, and he will likely receive the qualifying offer (and be tied to draft pick compensation) or sign an extension with the Giants. The New York Yankees’ third baseman, Chase Headley, will also be a free agent; Headley was acquired by the Yankees prior to the trade deadline, and because he was traded mid-season, the Yankees cannot offer him the qualifying offer.

A 17-year veteran, Ramirez has played his entire career in the National League. He spent his first five-and-a-half years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, before being traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he spent the next eight seasons. Ramirez signed with the Brewers as a free agent in December 2011.

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