Wilson Ramos is leaving the Washington Nationals.
Multiple reports indicated Tuesday night that the free agent catcher has agreed to a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Fan Rag Sports’ Jon Heyman reports the deal is for $12.5 million with playing incentives to increase the pact to $18.25 over two years. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman first reported the agreement.
Ramos set career-highs in 2016 with 22 home runs, 25 doubles, 80 RBI, .307 batting average, .354 on-base percentage and .496 slugging percentage en route to his first All-Star Game appearance. His offensive output earned him a Silver Slugger Award.
Ramos’ remarkable season came to an abrupt halt when he tore the ACL in his right knee on Sept. 27, just before he was set to become a free agent. The Nationals did not extend a qualifying offer to Ramos and will not receive compensation from the Rays.
He underwent surgery on Oct. 14 and was expected to be out for six to eight months.
Ramos was acquired in July 2010 in a trade that sent pitcher Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins. In seven seasons with the Nationals, Ramos hit 83 home runs, 321 RBI and had a .268 batting average.
Last Friday, the Nationals braced for Ramos’ departure by acquiring former All-Star and Washington farmhand Derek Norris from the San Diego Padres for minor-league pitcher Pedro Avila.
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