Trade Target: Aramis Ramirez

Sep 22, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez hits a base hit to drive in a run in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Rodriguez is suspended. Robinson Cano left for the money in Seattle.Who knows what to expect from Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter. The Yankees infield is in very bad shape and lacks stability heading in to 2014.Of course the Yankees have Kelly Johnson who is a nice addition. Brian Roberts isn’t a bad deal for the $2 million they will be paying him. However, time can only tell if he’ll even remain on the field.

If the Yankees ultimately choose the trade market for infield help, one very interesting target could be Aramis Ramirez. Although Ramirez did have knee problems in 2013, he is now healthy and has had a full off-season of rest. He can certainly still rake.

In only 92 games in 2013, he still has 12 homers and 49 RBI while posting a .283 average. All this not even being 100%. One year prior, he hit .300 with 27 homers and 105 RBI. He also had a remarkable 50 doubles. This is the type of production he has put up for nearly his entire career.

Aramis Ramirez would be a very dangerous bat in Yankee Stadium. He will be 36 in June but despite some problems last season, the third baseman has aged very nicely. A big plus would also be that he is only under contract through 2015 which would only take him through age 37.

A bump in the road may be his upcoming salaries. Ramirez is owed $16 million in 2014 and $14 million in 2015. With the Yankees appearing ready to soar past the $189 million payroll threshold, if they become serious suitors for Ramirez, they won’t let money get in their way. As for the Brewers, they don’t appear willing to trade Ramirez .