While not the flashiest free agent available this offseason, Wilson Ramos should be near the top of the Phillies wishlist
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak might have made the best, yet most underrated move at the trade deadline when he acquired veteran catcher Wilson Ramos for cash. Despite being an All-Star Ramos had little value while he was recovering from a hamstring injury.
Since August 15 when Ramos made his Phillies debut, the 31-year-old catcher has been a terrific addition to the lineup. In 19 games he’s hitting .404 with nine extra-base hits and 13 RBI.
While the pop hasn’t been consistent with Ramos, his abilities to hit and get on base are barren through the rest of the Phillies clubhouse.
Since joining the team in August, Ramos has made just one error and allowed only one passed ball.
This offseason Ramos will be one of the top catchers available in free agency, along with Matt Wieters, Yasmani Grandal, and Jonathan Lucroy. Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is also a potential trade candidate as the Marlins continue to restock their farm system.
Ramos should be a priority for the Phillies in one of the most star-studded free agent classes in recent memory.
Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are the most anticipated free agents this offseason, and the Phillies are expected to be in play for both. It’s unrealistic to see Philadelphia adding both players with their values expected to be at least a quarter-billion dollars apiece, although owner John Middleton has said he’s ready to open his checkbook in order to win.
Pitcher Patrick Corbin projects to be one of the best left-handed starters, something the Phillies don’t have. Adding Corbin would create a terrific punch at the top of the rotation with Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta.
If the Phillies can’t get Harper or Machado for some reason, Ramos needs to become their top priority.
Can the Phillies just throw a half-billion dollars at Harper, Machado, Ramos, and Corbin on day one of free agency and call it a day?
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) September 12, 2018
While the Phillies pitchers haven’t necessarily gotten better throwing to Ramos, likely because of fatigue as they surpass their career-highs in innings pitched, Alfaro has improved behind the plate.
Catcher was a position I felt needed help early in the season as Alfaro continued to make errors and Andrew Knapp was clearly not a sound answer behind him. Having a veteran work with Alfaro on his defense helps the Phillies now and down the road.
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Alfaro is second in the National League with eight passed balls. Since the Wilson Ramos trade on July 31 he hasn’t allowed a single passed ball. Alfaro leads baseball with 11 errors this year. Eight were before the trade deadline and he’s made just three ever since.
How much of that is less playing time and how much of that is working with a veteran catcher?
I’d like to think Ramos took Alfaro under his wing and has helped him improve defensively. That’s a relationship I want to continue on beyond this season.
In terms of plate appearances, the Phillies have given Ramos 65 plate appearances and Alfaro 46. Some of that is related to Ramos recovering from injury, but I think splitting their playing time 60/40 like they have this year makes sense going forward.
If Klentak can get Ramos on a two or three year deal with an option based on playing time, he’d be the perfect mentor to Alfaro. The organization obviously hopes Alfaro can be the catcher of the future, and with him being under team control until 2024, that’s a realistic outlook.
Surrounding young talent with veterans who can not only teach but also produce is a vital part of any sports franchise. As Philadelphia takes the next step forward they need to continue developing young players while still competing for championships. Ramos can be one of the pieces going forward, and the Phillies must recognize that this offseason.