Padres Release Salary Figures for Alexei Ramirez

Updating a previous story, the numbers for the Alexei Ramirez signing have been released according to USA Today. The deal is a 1 year deal for $4M, which seems like a great deal for the Padres.

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The deal also includes a $4M mutual option for 2017 and a $1 Buyout which the Padres are likely hoping one of their shortstop prospects is ready for the job to start 2017 but gives them a nice insurance option assuming Ramirez has a good season and if their future shortstop isn’t quite ready for the major league level.

Ramirez was an All-Star as recent as 2014 when he ended the year hitting .273 with 15 HR. Last season his batting average dropped down to .249, the worst of his career. He also brings an element of speed to the Padres, as he has stolen 20 bases 3 of the last 4 seasons.

The Padres needed to get a shortstop this off-season after slugging through last year using Alexi Amarista, Clint Barmes, and Jedd Gyorko. All but one of those players is gone now and Amarista figures return to his super-utility role that he had excelled in previously.

To make room on the roster officially for Ramirez, Rymer Liriano was designated for assignment which apparently means the Padres are more serious about Alex Dickerson in left field than Liriano. Rule 5 Draft pick Jabari Blash is also looking to make a strong impression in Spring Training in hopes of becoming the starting left fielder as well.

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The Padres resisted the urge this off-season to sign Ian Desmond, considered by most to be the top shortstop on the market but one who was looking for a multi-year contract and a lot more money from any team that pursued him. While they might miss some offensive numbers from Ramirez over Desmond, the money makes more sense and overall durability seems to be a plus asset.

The contract also has several performance-based incentives based on plate appearances which could the option all the way up to $5.5M and the buyout up to $1.5M.