MLB Trade Rumors: Jose Ramirez Deal Discussed by Blue Jays, Guardians; Would Play 2B

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Toronto BlueJays have reached out to the Cleveland Guardians about a trade centered around Jose Ramirez.

Rosenthal reported that Ramirez would move to second base if he moved to third base.

The hot corner in Toronto is taken care of by Matt Chapman.

Ramirez is a long-term target. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported they took a run at the 29-year-old prior to last year's trade deadline. The continued pursuit could partially be explained by the fact that the general manager and team president both worked in Cleveland before joining Toronto.

Ramirez has been an elite player in MLB since his 2016 breakthrough. He hit 36 home runs and finished with a.265/.355/.538 slash line in the American League in 2021.

Cleveland Guardians @CleGuardians

José Ramírez raked a team-high 36 home runs this season.

Start your morning right. 😌 pic.twitter.com/Ady3LLjJCS

Imagine a lineup that already includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Rosenthall said that it is still unlikely that the Guardians will trade the Dominican Republic native. The $26 million he can collect over the next two seasons remains a bargain, as he is the only Cleveland player signed to a fully guaranteed MLB contract.

Fans of the team have come to expect the best players to be traded as their contracts wind down.

Cleveland has a 13 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to PECOTA. This is a franchise that can at least claim a wild-card berth with the right additions.

The Francisco Lindor trade was a referendum on the ownership of the franchise. It would burn more goodwill with the fans if Ramirez was dealt with.