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MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Wilson Ramos

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) throws out a ceremonial first pitch before game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) throws out a ceremonial first pitch before game one of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wilson Ramos may be the best overall catcher on the free agent market this winter, but will a serious knee injury hold him back?

Leading into the season’s final week, Wilson Ramos was right on track to land himself a long-term deal for at least $15 million this offseason. Unfortunately, Ramos suffered a torn ACL with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season. Now, the All-Star catcher faces a six-to-eight month rehabilitation that could have him ready to play any time between the end of April and early June.

Ramos struggled through a difficult 2015 season, batting .229/.258/.358 with an OPS+ of 66. After the difficult season, Ramos elected to get LASIK eye surgery before the 2016 season, and it made all the difference. The 29-year-old backstop flirted with the NL batting title for most of the year before finishing with a .307/.354/.496 line with career bests in every major offensive category. If the vision-improving procedure needs a posterboy, Ramos is it.

Coming off his best season, Ramos could still be in line for a big-money contract. Knee injuries, even for a player who previously tore his ACL in 2012, are not as problematic as they were in the past. Kyle Schwarber suffered a devastating knee injury in April and was back in time to play in the World Series.

The rest of the catching market this year is underwhelming to say the least. Matt Wieters is the only option worthy of a large contract, and he has never produced a full season on par with what Ramos did in 2016. Assuming Ramos’ newfound ability to see the ball better than ever continues, he will not be a one-hit wonder.

If a team is able to accept that Ramos may not be ready for Opening Day, they may get a huge bargain and elite production from the catcher position. Ramos is no sure thing, coming off his second major ACL injury, but the risk is worth it. Here are the five teams that are the best potential fits for Wilson Ramos.

Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Washington Nationals

Ramos has spent almost his entire career with the Nationals after being traded by the Minnesota Twins in 2010. His seven years with the team have been up and down at times, and he missed large chunks of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons with injuries. When he has been on the field for the Nationals, Ramos has provided above-average offense for a catcher while showing off a strong arm and handling the pitching staff very well.

For an organization still seeking its first playoff series win, the Nationals should value continuity behind the dish. The pitching staff, led by Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg is what will ultimately push Washington past the NLDS, and Ramos has a strong bond with the hurlers. Leading into the impending free agency of Bryce Harper, the Nationals need to be in win-now mode.

Ramos might not be the top priority for the Nationals front office this winter — behind a closer and a center fielder — but re-signing him should be strongly considered. The team can get by without him for a few weeks at the start of the season with youngster Pedro Severino, but Severino’s bat does not project to Silver Slugger heights. Look for the Nationals to attempt to wait out the market on Ramos. If the knee injury scares off the rest of the league enough, a reunion is likely.

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