Manny Ramirez‘s passion was often called into question, but it’s becoming harder and harder to doubt his love for the game of baseball.
Ramirez, who turns 41 in May, has signed with the EDA Rhinos of the four-team Chinese Professional Baseball League, agent Barry Praver confirmed to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. Ramirez had been attempting a major league comeback, but it’s clear he didn’t generate much interest, and the 12-time All-Star will instead take what’s left of his talents to Taiwan.
Ramirez’s deal doesn’t figure to be a lucrative one, so the decision was likely made in the hopes that he can prove himself overseas before ultimately receiving a more intriguing opportunity.
Ramirez did suit up for the A’s during spring training last season, and went on to play in 17 games with the club’s Triple-A affiliate, but he was eventually released. He hit .302 with 14 RBIs in 63 minor league at-bats.
Ramirez, who has been a very polarizing figure throughout his baseball career, last played in the majors with the Rays in 2011. He played in five games that season before being suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Regardless of one’s stance on Ramirez, there’s no doubt he put together a very solid career. If he never plays in another major league game, Ramirez will walk away with a career .312 average, .411 on-base percentage, .996 OPS and 555 home runs.
The mercurial star also earned quite a bit of money throughout his career — over $206 million, according to Baseball Reference — so his comeback bid seems like it’s about more than just another paycheck.
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