When the Los Angeles Dodgers were purchased by a ownership group highlighted by Lakers great Magic Johnson Dodger, fans were guaranteed a “new era” in Dodger baseball. Tuesday, the Dodgers put a face to that promise, acquiring three-time all-star Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins, who are starting their semi-annual fire sale.
According to the Los AngelesTimes, the Dodgers will receive Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate in exchange for rookie starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and minor league prospect pitcher Scott McGough.
A person close to the situation confirmed the deal on the condition of anonymity since the deal hasn’t been formally announced yet.
The addition of Ramirez will add $38 million to the Dodgers’ payroll over the next 2 ½ season. Ramirez, 28, is still guaranteed around $6 million for the remainder of this season, $15.5 million next year and $16 million in 2014.
The talented but sometimes troubled infielder has struggled since the Marlins acquired shortstop Jose Reyes in free agency this offseason, forcing Ramirez to move to third base. Once considered the Marlins’ franchise player, the career .300 hitter was batting .246 going into Wednesday with 14 home runs and 47 runs batted in.
Ramirez was the National League rookie of the year in 2006 and has hit 148 home runs in his six season in the majors.
Last week Dodgers chairman Mark Walter said that general manager Ned Colletti would be under no financial restriction when looking to make a deal, a sign that the new ownership group would have an open wallet in building a contender.
“I’m not tryna save a dollar,” Walter said.. “I’d rather say we have a great team and maybe spend a little too much.
The Dodgers recently signed Andre Ethier to a five-year, $85 million dollar extension while also signing Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig to a seven-year, $42 milion deal. Last year they locked up all-star center fielder Matt Kemp with an eight-year, $160 million contract extension.
