When the Phillies traded catcher Carlos Ruiz to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the intention was to give Chooch one more chance at a championship. But, after the Dodgers were eliminated, Ruiz was no longer in their plans. With a one-year, $4.5 million contract option on Ruiz's contract, the Dodgers decided to trade Ruiz's contract. According to a report Sunday night, Ruiz is headed to the Northwest.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports:
Sources: Carlos ruiz being traded to mariners
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 7, 2016
Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reported that Ruiz waived his no-trade clause to approve the deal.
The Mariners recently let two catchers leave their 40-man roster: Steve Clevenger was outrighted off the roster and the Mariners declined a $7 million contract option on veteran Chris Iannetta. Two catchers remain on the Mariners 40-man roster: Mike Zunino and Jesus Sucre. Both catchers saw time on the Mariners roster in 2016.
It remains to be seen how the Mariners would use Ruiz. Ruiz could work with the two younger catchers or perhaps even start. The Phillies face Seattle twice in 2017: they host the Mariners for two in May and make a late June trip to Seattle. So, Phillies will get to see Ruiz for a two-game set.
The Dodgers acquired Ruiz for next to nothing, so whatever prospect they get back in a trade is likely more than they gave up.
