Ramon Urias: Trade| Contract| Fangraphs

Introduction to Ramon Urias

Ramon Urias, an infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, has quietly become a valuable piece of their roster. While not a household name like some of his teammates, Urias has consistently contributed both defensively and offensively. His versatility, reliable glove, and underrated bat make him a player worth watching, especially amid trade rumors and future contract considerations.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore Ramon Urias’s trade status, MLB contract details, and break down his stats from Fangraphs, the go-to resource for advanced baseball analytics.

Who is Ramon Urias?

Born on June 3, 1994, in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico, Ramon Urias is a right-handed infielder who plays primarily third base and second base. He was originally signed by the Texas Rangers in 2010 and later joined the St. Louis Cardinals organization before being claimed off waivers by the Orioles in 2020.

Urias made his MLB debut with Baltimore in 2020 and quickly showed that he could hold his own at the big-league level. Known for his defensive prowess and timely hitting, Urias has become a fan favorite and a key piece in the Orioles’ recent rebuild.

Ramon Urias Trade Rumors and Speculations

As the Orioles climb back into playoff contention, trade rumors have swirled around many of their utility players — including Ramon Urias. With a loaded farm system and multiple infield prospects waiting in the wings, Urias is often mentioned as a trade chip that could bring back pitching depth or other assets.

Why Urias is a Trade Candidate

1. Positional Depth: The Orioles have infield prospects like Jordan Westburg, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday. This makes Urias potentially expendable.
2. Team Control: Urias is under club control through 2026, which makes him attractive for other teams.
3. Versatility: His ability to play second, third, and shortstop makes him an ideal utility infielder for contending teams.
4. Affordable Contract: Urias’s contract is very team-friendly, making him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.

Teams Interested in Urias

While no official trades have happened yet, multiple teams have been linked with interest in Urias, including:

• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Chicago Cubs
• San Francisco Giants
• Milwaukee Brewers

Expect more trade talk around Urias, especially around the MLB trade deadline or during the offseason.

Ramon Urias Contract Details

Understanding Ramon Urias’s contract provides insight into his trade value and team control.

Current Contract Overview

• Team: Baltimore Orioles
• Service Time (as of 2024): 3+ years
• Free Agent Eligibility: After 2026 season
• Arbitration Eligible: 2024, 2025, 2026
• Estimated 2024 Salary: $2.1 million (via arbitration)

Urias is not yet a free agent and remains under affordable team control. His value in arbitration is relatively low due to modest counting stats, even though he provides defensive and offensive consistency.

Performance Analysis via Fangraphs

Fangraphs provides advanced metrics that go beyond traditional batting averages and home run totals. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Ramon Urias’s career stats using Fangraphs data.

Offensive Metrics

Takeaway: Urias is an average hitter with occasional pop and good plate discipline. His wRC+ suggests he’s around league-average offensively — respectable for a utility player.

Defensive Value (Fangraphs Fielding)

Takeaway: Urias is a plus-defender at both third and second base, providing reliable glove work and excellent reaction time. His 2022 Gold Glove award at third base proves his elite defensive chops.

WAR (Wins Above Replacement)

A WAR above 1.0 for a part-time player indicates a solid role player who contributes positively to his team. Urias is a low-cost asset who adds value on both sides of the ball.

Urias’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Defensive Versatility: Plays all infield positions with high-level defense.
2. Plate Discipline: Low strikeout rates and decent walk rates.
3. Clutch Hitting: Several game-winning hits in late innings.
4. Affordable Contract: Great production relative to cost.

Weaknesses

1. Injury History: Minor injuries have limited playing time in some seasons.
2. Offensive Ceiling: Not a power hitter; limited slugging upside.
3. Consistency: Can go through prolonged cold streaks at the plate.

Ramon Urias’s Career Highlights

• MLB Debut: August 20, 2020 (Baltimore Orioles)
• Gold Glove Winner: 2022 (Third Base)
• Career High Home Runs: 16 HRs in 2022
• Notable Clutch Performances: Several walk-off hits in tight division games

Advanced Analytics and Fangraphs Deep Dive

Batted Ball Profile (2023 Fangraphs)

• Line Drive Rate (LD%): 21.4%
• Ground Ball Rate (GB%): 44.8%
• Fly Ball Rate (FB%): 33.8%
• Hard Hit%: 36.2%

Urias hits a lot of grounders and line drives, indicating he’s not swinging for the fences. His bat is more suited for gap-to-gap doubles and clutch RBI singles rather than power bombs.

Plate Discipline Stats

• O-Swing% (Chase Rate): 28.5%
• Z-Swing% (Zone Swing): 64.9%
• Contact%: 79.3%

These numbers show Urias is selective at the plate and makes solid contact. He rarely chases bad pitches and maintains a consistent approach in all counts.

Future Outlook for Ramon Urias

Will He Be Traded?

Given Baltimore’s competitive window and depth in the infield, Urias could be moved before hitting free agency. However, his defensive reliability and team-first mentality may also persuade the Orioles to keep him as a bench utility option.

Best Fits if Traded

1. Los Angeles Dodgers – Need for depth and experience
2. Milwaukee Brewers – Could fill gaps in infield rotation
3. Boston Red Sox – Provide stable glove in rotating infield
4. San Diego Padres – Versatile piece in tight playoff race

Contract Extension Possibility

With Urias under control through 2026, the Orioles don’t need to rush a contract decision. But if he posts another solid year, a short extension (2–3 years) could lock in a valuable bench player for cheap.

Fan Reactions and Community Insight

Baltimore fans generally appreciate Urias for his grit, glove, and under-the-radar contributions. While not a superstar, his role in the Orioles’ resurgence shouldn’t be overlooked. On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, fans debate whether trading him is the right move or if his presence brings needed stability.

Final Thoughts on Ramon Urias

Ramon Urias exemplifies what every playoff-bound team needs — a cheap, versatile infielder who won’t hurt you in the field or at the plate. He might not be the flashiest name, but his value is clear when looking at advanced metrics from Fangraphs. Whether the Orioles choose to keep him or deal him, Urias remains a high-value player who can quietly boost a team’s postseason hopes.

FAQs

Is Ramon Urias a free agent?

No, he is under team control through the 2026 MLB season.

What position does Ramon Urias play?

He primarily plays third base and second base but can also cover shortstop.

Has Ramon Urias won any awards?

Yes, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 at third base.

Is Ramon Urias on the trade block?

He has been mentioned in trade rumors due to the Orioles’ infield depth and his affordable contract.