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Phillies acquire catcher Wilson Ramos from the Tampa Bay Rays

By George Stockburger

ST PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 17: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a home run in the ninth inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on April 17, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 17: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a home run in the ninth inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on April 17, 2018 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The Phillies have made a major move to upgrade their bench

The Phillies have acquired All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos from the Tampa Bay Rays according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Jeff Passan first reported the talks Tuesday afternoon.

Philadelphia will receive cash along with Ramos in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, and reliever  Zac Curtis will be designated for assignment to make room for Ramos on the 40-man roster.

Ramos is hitting .297/.346/.488 this year in 315 plate appearances with 14 home runs and 53 RBI with a WAR of 2.4, which would be second on Philadelphia’s roster behind Aaron Nola.

Here’s an outline of the reported trade that will not only help the Phillies bench this year, but benefit their catchers for seasons to come. Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline says the Phillies won’t give up a top-30 prospect for Ramos.

Philadelphia desperately needed to upgrade their bench and particularly the backup catcher position. Andrew Knapp is hitting just .223 this season behind Alfaro, and while he’s an electric player on the bench and a favorite of Gabe Kapler, his production doesn’t match the energy.

Ramos is a very good defensive catcher, and with Alfaro leading baseball with eight passed balls the help and mentorship could be used. This isn’t about Alfaro, who is hitting .254 with seven home runs, not being the starting catcher long-term. It’s about continuing to develop him with a mentor working alongside him.

Philadelphia is also expected to pursue relief pitching at the trade deadline, in particular, a lefty.  Jake Diekman has been mentioned as a potential reunion candidate for Philly after they sent him to Texas with Cole Hamels.

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