Mets Bolster Bullpen with Yohan Ramirez Acquisition
In a strategic move to enhance their bullpen, the New York Mets have secured right-handed pitcher Yohan Ramirez from the Chicago White Sox, in exchange for $100,000. This transaction underscores the Mets' commitment to strengthening their relief pitching staff, particularly after the loss of Edwin Diaz to injury for the entire season.
The Mets' bullpen has been an area of focus this offseason, especially with the departure of David Robertson via trade. With an eye on robustness and depth, the Mets have also brought in Austin Adams, Michael Tonkin, and Jorge Lopez to fortify their relief corps.
Ramirez, who is out of minor league options, will be a key figure in the Mets' revamped bullpen strategy. His addition to the 40-man roster is a clear indicator of the team's intention to keep him in the majors. The 27-year-old pitcher, who debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 2020, has since made appearances for the Guardians and Pittsburgh Pirates, before joining the White Sox. While with the Pirates, Ramirez posted a respectable 3.67 ERA across 26 games—a stark contrast to the 9.00 ERA he recorded in five games with the White Sox.
Notably, Ramirez has undergone a transformation on the mound, transitioning from a fastball-slider combination to relying more heavily on a sinker-sweeper approach. Throughout his career spanning 102 games, he has maintained a cumulative ERA of 3.99, demonstrating his potential value to the Mets' pitching staff.
The Mets are reportedly still in the market for additional bullpen talent, with Josh Hader being a possible target. Hader is known to be seeking a contract that surpasses Edwin Diaz's $102 million deal, indicating the caliber of investment the Mets may be considering to ensure a competitive bullpen.
White Sox Offseason Overhaul
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox have experienced significant changes in their front office structure. Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn have departed, paving the way for Chris Getz to step into the role of general manager. Getz's tenure has already seen notable activity, including the trade of Aaron Bummer to the Atlanta Braves.
The White Sox received a substantial return for Bummer, adding prospects Michael Soroka, Jared Shuster, Nicky Lopez, Braden Shewmake, and Riley Gowens to their ranks. These acquisitions signal a commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.
Erick Fedde's signing to a two-year deal with the White Sox marks another significant move by the organization. Fedde, who expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Major Leagues, adds experience and depth to the White Sox's pitching rotation.
As spring training approaches, both the Mets and the White Sox have made clear their intentions to compete at a high level. For the Mets, bolstering the bullpen appears to be a top priority, while the White Sox seem focused on a mix of immediate impact players and long-term prospects. Fans of both teams have much to look forward to as the new season looms on the horizon.