Cleveland Indians Trade James Ramsey and Zach Walters to Dodgers

Cleveland Indians Trade James Ramsey and Zach Walters to the Dodgers

The Cleveland Indians have traded outfielder James Ramsey and utility man Zach Walters to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations.

The Indians had designated both players for assignment just before the season began, along with pitcher Giovanni Soto, to make room for veterans Marlon Byrd, Ross Detwiler, and Joba Chamberlain. 

More from Away Back Gone

• Cleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakers
• Cleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejection
• Say goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023
• Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league history
• The next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season

Ramsey was a big surprise as he was just added to the Tribe’s 40-man roster back in November. Had the Indians not added him a team could have taken him in the Rule 5 Draft; however, that team would have had to keep him on their 25-man roster all season. If they didn’t, they’d have had to offer him back to the Indians, and he could have gone to Triple-A Columbus and not been on the 40-man roster. Instead, Ramsey, who recently ranked as our 21st best Tribe prospect, will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City and provide depth for the Dodgers who are dealing with some injuries in their big league outfield including Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier, and Alex Guerrero.

Walters was somewhat expected to be designated, at least when compared to Ramsey. He was down to his final minor league option and coming off a injury that cut his season short. He had some successful stints in the big leagues but strikeouts have been a major issue. He does provide a ton of power as Tribe fans saw first hand when he was first acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals for Justin Masterson.  Walters is capable of playing all three outfield spots as well as second base, third base, and shortstop. He too will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City though could see time in Los Angeles soon should the need arise.

Next: Missed Chances Cost Tribe in Loss

Today’s transactions leave only Giovanni Soto in DFA limbo. There are only a couple days remaining before we should know for certain if he cleared waivers or will be joining another team. Soto, like Ramsey, recently ranked as a top 30 prospect in the Tribe’s system, coming in at 27 on our list.  Be sure to check back with Wahoo’s on First for any further Cleveland Indians news.