MLB Trade Rumors: Trading Hanley Ramirez Would Cripple Marlins

The Miami Marlins have had arguably as good of an offseason as any team in MLB, as they were quick to the plate in acquiring All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, closer Heath Bell and left-handed starting pitcher Mark Buehrle.

All three will not only make immediate contributions to the team, but they also happen to complement the talent this team already boasts.

One of those talents is shortstop Hanley Ramirez, whose starting job has been threatened with the six year, $106 million signing of Reyes this offseason.

According to a recent article from NBCMiami.com's David Hill, several teams have approached the Marlins about trading Ramirez following the acquisition of Reyes.

If the Marlins knows what's good for them, getting Ramirez to make a position change and stay with this team is undoubtedly necessary going forward.

The fact of the matter is that Ramirez is the most feared hitter the Marlins have to offer.

Ramirez has held a .300-plus average four of the last five seasons and has recorded a total of 227 RBI over the last three seasons. Last season was the only one in his career in which Ramirez had fewer than 177 hits.

If the Marlins can move Ramirez over to third base, which the team is expected to do and currently working on, according to the Miami Herald, they will have one of the more solid infields in the league.

If not, the Marlins will still have some talented hitters and will benefit from the acquisition of Reyes. Still, Miami will lose a big-time hitter in Ramirez, as trading him will greatly hurt the team's depth offensively.