3 possible landing spots for Hanley Ramirez

In a surprising move last Friday, the Boston Red Sox designated three-time All-Star Hanley Ramirez for assignment with about $15 million left on his contract - a decision that appeared to be made by manager Alex Cora.

As of 1 p.m. when he cleared waivers Friday, "HanRam" is up for the taking after officially becoming a free agent.

The 34-year-old Dominican slugger isn't the same player he once was, which was clear by his 0-for-21 slump before his DFA. But the temptation to add a player with his resume might be too great for teams - especially with him likely coming at a bargain.

Yes, Ramirez is a defensive liability no matter where he plays, and he's struggled against right-handers (.664 OPS) this season, but he still mashes lefties (.854 OPS in 2018, .895 OPS in career) and can drive in runs (111 in 2016, 29 in 44 games in 2018).

With that being said, here are three possible landing spots for the two-time Silver Slugger and former MVP candidate:

Oakland Athletics

When the word "bargain" is uttered, the ears of Billy Beane, David Forst, and the Athletics' front office begin to burn.

Not only would Ramirez fit the budget of the always-frugal Athletics, but they're hitting just .230/.296/.387 collectively against left-handers - an area Ramirez could help address.

Oakland already has a powerful DH in Khris Davis, but he struggles against lefties (.188/.286/.354, two home runs), so there's a platoon opportunity there. Davis or Ramirez could also spell any of the Athletics' outfielders, and Ramirez can still play a little first base if needed.

The Athletics have used their glut of power (tied for fifth in AL with 69 HRs) and fantastic starting pitching from Daniel Mengden, Sean Manaea, and Trevor Cahill to remain in contention, so taking a flyer on Ramirez wouldn't be terrible, especially considering they have options if they choose to sign him.

If they're in position to contend at the deadline, keep him. If not, try to flip him for prospects. If he plays poorly, release him and carry on. It's really a no-lose situation.

New York Mets

Hanley in the Big Apple has a nice ring to it.

The Mets have recently shown they're open to signing aging veterans to low-risk deals, and Ramirez fits this bill for a New York club plagued by injuries.

Just as they swooped in for cheap deals with Jose Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez, Sandy Alderson and the Mets could do the same with Ramirez and add a potential impact bat to a lineup in dire need of one.

Not only are the Mets hurt, with seven important position players on the DL, but no team in baseball is worse at hitting left-handed pitching. Plus, their lineup is sorely lacking power (57 HRs, .393 slugging).

Ramirez could help address these areas, and if/when the Mets' regulars come off the DL, they could wave goodbye to the struggling Jose Reyes (.145/.203/.203) to keep him around.

Toronto Blue Jays

Hanley in the Great White North? Why not.

The Blue Jays just suffered through a miserable May (9-19) and are 13.5 games back of the Red Sox for first place in the AL East. Something needs to change in what could be Josh Donaldson's last season in Toronto. If things remain the way they are, he could be gone by the trade deadline.

A little bit of Ramirez's swagger - or his potentially impactful offense - might liven up the struggling Blue Jays, who, like the Athletics and Mets, aren't hitting left-handers (.226/.303/.394) very well and keep rolling out lineups consisting of the light-hitting Giovanny Urshela, and Russell Martin playing everywhere but catcher.

Where would Ramirez play if Toronto were to sign him, you ask? Take your pick.

Ramirez could spell Justin Smoak at first when he needs a day off. The Blue Jays could add him to the outfield mix until Steve Pearce is ready to come back to work. They could make a bold move and replace DH Kendrys Morales (owed the remainder of $11 million this season and $12 million in 2019), whose .619 OPS makes the eyes burn.

Finally, they could take the boldest of bold routes and return Ramirez to where it all started.

It's a wild idea, but as Michael Keaton said in "Batman": "You wanna get nuts? Let's get nuts."

Since placing Aledmys Diaz on the DL near the beginning of May, Toronto used a combination of Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Richard Urena, Yangervis Solarte, Urshela, and Martin at the position. While Ramirez (who hasn't played shortstop since 2014) won't help on defense, it's hard to envision things getting worse than they are, especially considering he can still hit.

Troy Tulowitzki isn't returning anytime soon, and while Diaz returned from the DL on Friday, Ramirez might be a decent stopgap.

It may sound nuts, but that might be what the Blue Jays need to right their sinking ship.