Report: Nationals targeting old friend Ramos on trade market
The Washington Nationals haven't received much production from behind the plate, which may lead them to a reunion with an old pal.
Washington's front office is targeting Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos, while the Rays closely watch the farm system of the Nationals, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.
The Nationals have made no progress in trade discussions with the Miami Marlins about J.T. Realmuto, which is why they've turned their attention to Ramos, Heyman adds.
Nationals catchers haven't provided the team with much offense at the plate, with four different players rotating through the spot so far.
| PLAYER* | G | AB | HR | RBI | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Wieters | 23 | 65 | 3 | 7 | .727 |
| Spencer Kieboom | 20 | 46 | 0 | 5 | .549 |
| Pedro Severino | 62 | 181 | 2 | 15 | .510 |
| Miguel Montero | 4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | .154 |
*stats entering Sunday
Injured four-time All-Star Matt Wieters is expected to return to the Nationals' lineup to begin the second half, but the addition of Ramos, who played tremendous baseball for Washington in 2016 (121 OPS+), could relegate him to backup duties.
Ramos, 30, is having a fine offensive season, hitting .289/.340/.462 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs in 73 games. He's owed the remainder of $8.5 million for this season and is set to become a free agent at season's end.