UPDATE:
alexei ramirez, padres are in agreement on 1-year deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2016
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The San Diego Padres have been engulfed in rumors this offseason in their endeavors for a shortstop. Their heavy-hitting moves last year shook the MLB and had some believing they were poised to do the same this time around, but it appears as if GM A.J. Preller is acting more conservatively.
The Pads and free-agent shortstop Alexei Ramirez are close to an agreement on a contract, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Ian Desmond was another name reportedly on San Diego's radar, but the fact that he'll cost a draft pick, in addition to a potentially large contract, likely deterred Preller.
Jon Heyman added the Padres are "focused" on Ramirez and are "getting closer to a deal."
Preller alluded to the conclusion of the team's acquisition of a shortstop earlier this week.
"We've gotten to a spot where we've looked at a lot of options through trades and free agency," he told Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Things could come to a head in the next few days to a week."
Ramirez and Desmond have been among the speculated finalists for the Padres' shortstop search in recent weeks, based on various rumors. The Chicago White Sox declined to exercise Ramirez's team option for 2016 while the Washington Nationals made an effort to re-sign Desmond, but the veteran reportedly rejected contract extension offers.
Due to the Padres' payroll situation, it's clear Ramirez is the better fit financially. Desmond, 30, is among the best shortstops in the MLB, and while some believe he could succumb to a short-term deal, he's likely looking for a long-term one to cash in while he can.
On the other hand, Ramirez at 34 years old is much more apt to accept a short-term deal, given his age and declining play. Additionally, the Padres have talented shortstop prospect Javier Guerra in the minor leagues, so they'd probably rather not block him with a longer-term player such as Desmond. Guerra could make his MLB debut within the next two years.
Ramirez his .249/.285/.357 with 54 runs scored, 10 home runs, 62 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 154 games with the White Sox last year. He's certainly an upgrade over incumbent shortstop Alexi Amarista, who was statistically one of the worst hitters in the MLB in 2015.
Stay tuned for updates on the Pads and Ramirez.
