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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