Reds release reliever Noe Ramirez after underwhelming spring training

The Reds have released reliever Noé Ramirez. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reported the move shortly before the team’s official announcement. The move drops Cincinnati’s 40-man roster count to 39.

Ramirez came over from the Angels in this offseason’s Raisel Iglesias trade. It was apparent at the time that the move was motivated by a desire to shed Iglesias’ $9.125M salary; releasing Ramirez only reinforces that. Cincinnati did also acquire infield prospect Leo Rivas as a player to be named later in the deal.

It was a difficult spring for Ramirez, who allowed 11 runs (six earned) in six innings with four strikeouts and walks apiece. Before that rough showing in exhibition play, Ramirez looked to have settled in as a competent if unexciting middle reliever. He tossed a 3.00 ERA/5.21 SIERA with poor strikeout and walk rates (16.5% and 10.6%, respectively) over 21 innings for Los Angeles last year.

Ramirez and the Reds agreed to a $1.175M salary to avoid arbitration over the winter. Unlike most MLB deals, arbitration contracts usually aren’t fully guaranteed. Players released in the second half spring training typically receive 45 days termination pay at their prorated salary, around $282K in Ramirez’s case. Assuming he clears release waivers, Ramirez will be free to sign with any other team.