Report: Indians add Hanley Ramirez on minor-league deal

The Cleveland Indians and infielder Hanley Ramirez have agreed to a minor-league deal, pending a physical, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Ramirez, 35, spent parts of the last four seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He was released after appearing in 44 games in 2018.

A three-time All-Star and 2006 Rookie of the Year with the Marlins, Ramirez has seen his production decline steadily. After joining the Red Sox in 2015, he slashed .260/.326/.450 with 78 home runs and 71 doubles in 431 games.

The former NL batting champ came up as a shortstop whose mix of speed and power made him one of baseball's most formidable players for several seasons.

Ramirez had mostly been relegated to first base and designated hitter duties in recent years, though he did play 92 games as a left fielder in 2015.

If he can make Cleveland's big-league roster, he will have Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers ahead of him on the depth chart at first and DH, though the latter could shift to the outfield if Ramirez proves he has something left in the tank.