Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez is popping up in MLB trade rumors with his franchise seemingly focused on trimming payroll instead of contending. If the All-Star third baseman is available, countless teams will be lined up with offers.

Ramirez is one of the best players in MLB. Since the 2019 season, he ranks sixth in FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (6.3) and he made the All-MLB Second Team in 2020. If the Guardians don’t view Ramirez as a long-term piece of their playoff core, clubs who are ready to contend will happily try and make a move.

The acquisition cost will be through the roof. Fortunately, some of the best teams also have loaded farm systems and can afford to unload prospects for impact talent.

MLB

Blue Jays remain interested in Jose Ramirez

With that in mind, let’s examine the best Jose Ramirez trade destinations.

 

Jose Ramirez traded to Toronto Blue Jays

It comes as no surprise that the Toronto Blue Jays inquired on Jose Ramirez, per Ken Rosenthal. A front office that signed Kevin Gausman, George Springer and traded for Jose Berríos and Matt Chapman is aggressive by nature. Toronto wants to win now and Ramirez is the final piece to essentially create the ‘Infinity Gauntley’ of MLB lineups.

Toronto Blue Jays trade: Orelvis Martinez, Leo Jimenez, Zach Logue, Nate Pearson

Cleveland Guardians trade: Jose Ramirez

With a surplus of premium middle-infield prospects, the Blue Jays can afford to part with multiple. As for Nate Pearson, he represents a nice buy-low opportunity for the Guardians. The talent still exists to be a front-line starter or a top closer, but durability and command are issues.

This deal would certify the Blue Jays lineup is the best in MLB. Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are AL MVP candidates. Teoscar Hernandez, Bo Bichette and Chapman are All-Star players. Throw Ramirez into the middle of that lineup, with a top-10 rotation, you’ve got something special.

 

Tampa Bay Rays swing blockbuster deal

The Tampa Bay Rays made a run at Freddie Freeman, but he wisely chose the Los Angeles Dodgers. It proves that with the Wander Franco extension signed, the Rays want to build a much better team around their superstar. For so many reasons, Ramirez is perfect for Tampa Bay.

  • Jose Ramirez stats (2021): 36 home runs, 103 RBI, 27 steals, 141 OPS+

Cleveland has a history of wanting MLB-ready players or those who are approaching their debuts. Austin Meadows, floated in trade rumors, provides a middle-of-the-order bat to the lineup and fills a need in the corner outfield. He can be packaged with top prospect Vidal Brujan and outfielder Josh Lowe as the centerpieces of a deal, with Tampa Bay sending some of its young minor-league pitching to Cleveland.

As for the Rays, it lands a star to plug in immediately at third base or second base. Ramirez can be an MVP threat in the Rays’ lineup, hitting alongside Franco in the lineup. Plus, he would likely be open to a contract extension with a club that should be open to keeping a fantastic core together.