How long do the Red Sox put up with this? If Ramirez doesn't improve by the trade deadline, are we looking for a replacement? Let's say the Red Sox stick with him for the entire season and he shows no improvement. Can they bring him back in 2017 after two years of offensive futility (91 OPS+ in 2015 and about the same OPS+ for 2016, along with negative WAR for both years according to Fangraphs).Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer
Hanley Ramirez entered the night with a .383 slugging percentage, which ranked 72nd among 88 players who qualify for the AL batting title. He's 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and has left five men on base.
Ramirez has had a weird career as an offensive player. His best years came in his early 20s, he then declined when he entered his prime. Yet, his last two seasons with the Dodgers were very good.
They will probably let Ramirez play out the year as the starter at first base; trading for a first baseman with Ramirez on the roster is kind of complicated. But if I'm Dave Dombrowski, I'm not bringing Ramirez back in 2017 if I get another 90 OPS+ and negative WAR from him. At some point, the Red Sox may need to accept the contract as a sunk cost and find a better player who will help the team win games.
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