The Rockies are strongly interested in trading for A.J. Ramos, according to a report by Bob Nightengale. The Rockies have been rumored to be looking to try and bolster their bullpen with a strong right-handed reliever to complement Jake McGee in the setup role, and Ramos fits that description. The report also listed the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals as being interested.
Ramos has been the Marlins’ closer the past three seasons and has earned 91 saves since taking over the role in 2015. In 38 games this season, Ramos has a 3.86 ERA and an almost matching 3.85 FIP. He profiles as a high-risk, high-reward pitcher with a 11.09 K/9 and 4.82 BB/9. Those rates are right in line with his career numbers and could make him a volatile addition when combined with pitching at Coors Field.
If the Rockies acquired Ramos he would not become the team’s closer, since they already have Greg Holland who’s doing an outstanding job filling that role. Instead, he would bolster the set-up corps and push some of the struggling arms down a notch.
The Miami Marlins already traded one of their relievers last week when they sent David Phelps to the Mariners for a package of four low-level prospects. Since then, they’ve been shopping Ramos for what they hope will be a stronger return. However, the trade market is increasingly becoming a buyer’s market as today’s two trades have continued to prove.