Wilson Ramos, a Venezuelan-born catcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2004, Ramos made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2010. His time with Minnesota was brief, as he was traded to the Washington Nationals later that year in exchange for closer Matt Capps. This trade marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his career.
With the Nationals, Ramos quickly established himself as a reliable presence behind the plate. Known for his strong arm and ability to handle a pitching staff, he became a regular starter for Washington. In 2011, Ramos played in 113 games, hitting .267 with 15 home runs and 52 RBIs, showcasing his potential as both a defensive and offensive asset.
Ramos faced adversity in 2012 when he suffered a torn ACL, limiting his playing time. Despite this setback, he returned to the field in 2013, demonstrating his ability to overcome challenges. That year, he played in 78 games, hitting .272 with 16 home runs and 59 RBIs. His performance helped solidify his role as the Nationals' primary catcher.
The 2014 season saw Ramos continue to contribute to the Nationals' success, although injuries again limited his playing time. He appeared in 88 games, maintaining a .267 batting average with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. His resilience and skill were evident as he continued to be a key part of the team's lineup.
Ramos' breakout season came in 2016 when he was selected for the All-Star Game and won the Silver Slugger Award. He played in 131 games, achieving a career-high .307 batting average, along with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs. His performance that year was instrumental in the Nationals' playoff run, although a late-season injury prevented him from participating in the postseason.
Following the 2016 season, Ramos entered free agency and signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. His tenure with the Rays was marked by a steady presence both offensively and defensively. In 2017, he played in 64 games, hitting .260 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. The following year, he was named an All-Star for the second time, hitting .297 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs in 78 games before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ramos finished the 2018 season with the Phillies, where he continued to perform well, hitting .337 in 33 games. His ability to adapt to a new team mid-season highlighted his experience and skill as a veteran catcher.
In 2019, Ramos signed with the New York Mets, where he spent two seasons. During his time with the Mets, he played in 124 games in 2019, hitting .288 with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Ramos appear in 45 games, hitting .239 with 5 home runs and 15 RBIs.
Ramos' final MLB season came in 2021, during which he played for both the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians. His time with these teams was brief, and he appeared in a total of 44 games, hitting .205 with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs.
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