The Mets SS Jose Reyes in his young career has evolved into highly coveted player because of his ability to get on base, score a bunch of runs, a .300 batting average, home run ability, and his bread and butter the stolen bases. It was partway through last season, I made the statement calling Hanley Ramirez as a Jose Reyes Lite . A funny thing happened along the way. From July 24, 2025 to end of the season Reyes went into a funk. His numbers over that period gave him .245/.312/.383 with 6 HRs and only 17RBIs which amounted to a .695 OPS. In, that same period, Hanley Ramirez managed a .325/.381/.573 with 13 HRs and 35RBIs for a .954 OPS. In a telling sign, H-Ram managed to almost double Jose Reye’s production, all while playing with a bummed shoulder that resulted in the Marlin’s SS having off-season surgery.
Now, I am not sure that the Marlins Ramirez will continue to be a better version of Jose Reyes. Some of the things on the horizon for Hanley Ramirez:
- The loss of protection in the lieneup with Miguel Cabrera now in the American League. With less good pitches thrown his way, he likely will see his power number decrease, as you might see his OBP as good or better.
- How he responds to offseason surgery will be an issue. He is not expected to be available at beginning of spring training. How he is able to prepare and be ready will not be the same.
- His defense is the middle of the pack according to PMR . With the Marlins lacking a 3B, its not out of the question down the road the team performs some defensive rel-alignment. If that means, a move to the outfield or possibly at the hot corner, we’ll have to see how this plays out. At the moment, the Marlins are choosing between a couple of second baseman for 3B
- With the loss of Willis and Cabrera over money concerns, how long is Hanley in the Marlins future? Sure, the team holds the upper hand in the cost containment of Hanley over the next few years. But, you don’t see the Marlins locking him up like the Rockies are doing with Troy Tulowitski
I think Hanley will continue to be one of the better young players in baseball. If the Marlins were smart, they would consider doing like many of the other teams have done with their young players and buy out his arbitration years. Otherwise, the Marlins become the new Montreal Expos if they have not already become them.
Filed under: American League, Infield, Long Term Contracts, MLB, Marlins, Mets, NL East, National League, Outfield, Projections, Rockies, Rotisserie, Spring Training, Trade, fantasy
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