Vlad Jr. traded for J-Ram?! (in Dominican Winter League)
A massive blockbuster trade went down Saturday as Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Guardians five-time All-Star José Ramírez were included in a one-for-one swap.
How will this exchange of face-of-the-franchise hitters affect the big league landscape?!
Well, it won’t. Obviously, the MLB Trade Deadline passed weeks ago. But these two stars did change teams Saturday -- in the Dominican Winter League.
Vlad Jr. was sent from the Leones del Escogido to the Toros Del Este for Ramírez, who played more than 100 games for the Toros, batting .285 over 425 at-bats, but hasn't played in LIDOM in seven years.
“We have always had a big interest in Ramírez, and we were finally able to acquire him,” Leones general manager Luis Rojas said in a statement translated by MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez. “We know we are losing a great player in Vladimir, but it is really inspiring for our organization to have another superstar like José, who at the same time has a big interest in wearing our uniform, possibly this season.”
Guerrero played in two seasons with Escogido, hitting .256 over 129 at-bats. He slashed .359/.381/.615 with six extra-base hits and 11 RBIs across 10 games with the Leones in 2020-21.
“We’re really excited to acquire Vladimir Guerrero Jr.,” Toros general manager Jesús Mejía said in a statement translated by David Venn of LasMayores.com, MLB.com's Spanish web site. "We’re confident it will be a transaction that will be impactful for us.”
That 2020-21 year was the most recent season in which Vlad Jr. appeared in LIDOM action; J-Ram last played in 2015-16. But after this “offseason” trade for the rights to each player, perhaps we will see both big bats perform for their new squad as soon as this winter. Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas and Cubs third baseman Jeimer Candelario are some of the marquee names who played in the league last season.
The six-team Dominican Winter League begins its 2023-24 campaign on Oct. 19, and the regular season runs through Dec. 21.