In what has to be described as an absolutely shocking trade, the New York Mets have acquired All-Star closer A.J. Ramos from the division-rival Miami Marlins.
#Mets sent Merandy Gonazlez and Ricardo Cespedes to #Marlins for Ramos
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 29, 2017
Really, it’s a trade that no one saw coming. New York has placed closer Addison Reed on the trade block. So it stands to reason that Ramos will be his replacement once Reed himself is dealt.
Ramos, 30, has pitched to a 3.63 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and 3.91 FIP in 40 appearances this season. He’s also saved 20 games for the Marlins.
Heading to Miami in the deal are minor leaguers Merandy Gonzalez and Ricardo Cespedes.
Gonzalez was the team’s ninth-ranked prospect heading into the season. The Dominican Republic native was pitching to a ridiculous 1.55 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP in 11 starts at the time of the trade.
Meanwhile, Cespedes ranked just outside of the top-20 Mets prospects. The outfielder is hitting .255 with a .283 OBP between three stops in the minors thus far this season.