AJ Ramos, RHP
Player Data: Age: 31, B/T: Right/Right, Free Agency: 2019
2017 Primary Stats: 2-4, 61 G, 27 SV, 3.99 ERA, 1.415 WHIP, 4.10 FIP, 72 SO, 11.0 K/9, 5.2 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, 58 2/3 IP
2018 Contract Status: 3rd Year Arbitration Eligible
Grade: C+
2017 Review:
AJ Ramos entered the 2017 season coming off a career year in which he was named to his first All-Star Game. He also recorded a career-high 40 saves and posted a 2.81 ERA with 73 strikeouts. In the first half of the 2017 season with the Miami Marlins, Ramos struggled a bit, allowing 16 earned runs and posting high walk numbers (22) in 39 2/3 innings.
In a move focused towards this upcoming season, the Mets acquired Ramos at the trade deadline in exchange for prospects Merandy Gonzalez and Ricardo Cespedes. Ramos filled in as closer for Addison Reed for the remainder of the 2017 season after Reed was dealt to the Boston Red Sox.
In 21 games with the Mets, Ramos had seven saves in eight opportunities, and posted a 4.74 ERA with 25 strikeouts. Ramos allowed 10 runs, three home runs, and walked 12 batters in 19 innings.
2018 Outlook:
Ramos should serve as a big part of the backend of the Mets bullpen for the 2018 season. Ramos, Jeurys Familia, and hopefully one or more free agent relievers would make an elite backend. If a reliever isn’t signed, I could see Ramos and Familia splitting time in the closer’s role. Mickey Callaway should ride the hot hand, and rely on who’s pitching better in closing situations.
I do think working with new pitching coach Dave Eiland and a pitching-friendly manager in Callaway will help this pitching staff a lot. Depending on how the Mets spend in free agency and the competition in Spring Training, Ramos will likely enter the season in either the closer or set-up role.
