Manny Ramirez was perhaps MLB‘s most dangerous right-handed hitter for a brief period.
He could do it all: hit over .300, knock over 40 balls over the fence in any given season, and reach base via walks.
He was feared, and he was productive like no other.
When it comes to hitting, and when it comes to MLB, he knows what he is talking about.
Recently, he discussed Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani and his impending free agency.
Ramirez seems convinced that Ohtani will sign the largest contract ever in MLB, and will become baseball’s first $500 million man.
“Manny Ramirez: ‘I think Shohei Ohtani is worth $500 million. He’s a phenomenon never seen before in the MLB history. He can do it all. I would pay him $250 million for what he can do as a pitcher and the other $250 million for his quality as a hitter,'” MLB insider Hector Gomez tweeted while quoting Manny.
Manny Ramirez: "I think Shohei Ohtani is worth $500 million. He's a phenomenon never seen before in the MLB history. He can do it all. I would pay him $250 million for what he can do as a pitcher and the other $250 million for his quality as a hitter".@z101digital @ZDeportes pic.twitter.com/k8QaCwBEC5
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) January 20, 2023
That’s certainly an interesting way to see it: $250 million as a pitcher, $250 million as a hitter.
It’s also not far from the truth.
He should have been a Cy Young finalist in the American League this year with his 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts.
He was similarly dominant last year, with a 3.18 ERA.
As a hitter, he produces like Mookie Betts.
He hit 46 home runs in 2021 and 34 in 2022, with very healthy OPS numbers and totals.
There isn’t a player in the world who can be as good as he is at both activities.
That’s what makes him special, and that’s what worth $500 million or more.
He will make history when he signs his next deal, most likely after the 2023 World Series ends.
The whole league will be lining up just to talk to him.
NEXT: Andruw Jones Discusses His HOF Case