3 logical DH candidates for the Chicago Cubs in 2022
By Ryan Sikes
1. Harold Ramirez
Originally an international free agent signing of the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2011, Harold Ramirez made his Major League debut with the Marlins in 2019. In an extended look that year, the Cartagena, Colombia native posted a .276/.312/.416 slash line with 11 home runs and 50 RBI in 119 games.
While the majority of his time in 2019 was spent in right field, Ramirez played all three outfield positions. He left a lot to be desired, accounting for a combined -5 defensive runs saved (DRS). And it doesn’t appear to be getting any better, as Ramirez accounted for a -8 DRS with Cleveland last season.
That said, there is plenty to like about his bat.
He finished in the 88th percentile for hard-hit rate (46.9%) to go along with a .268/.305/.398 slash line. Ramirez is not a guy that will draw a lot of walks. In fact, he rarely draws any. Last season, the 27-year-old walked less than four percent of the time, but he also struck out in less than 16 percent of his at-bats?
You can live with those numbers from your DH, right? Especially on this roster.