Ramon Laureano Has New MLB Home After Waiver Claim

The Oakland A's placed DFA'd outfielder Ramon Laureano over the weekend, but the six-year veteran didn't have to wait long to find a new major league home base. The Cleveland Guardians have claimed him on waivers. 

Ramon Laureano is heading to the Guardians, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/UlIfiqzu8I

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 7, 2023

The Guardians will take on the remainder of Laureano's $3.55M salary for the season (approximately $2.4M), and they will have team control through 2025.

The 29-year-old is having a rough season after missing nearly half of last year due to a PED suspension. Laureano is hitting just .213 with a .645 OPS, six homers and 21 RBIs in 64 games. He's missed a few weeks of the season with hand and groin injuries. 

He does bring standout defense to the outfield, and possesses a cannon for an arm. He can potentially bring power and speed to the plate, but since his high-water mark of 2019, when he hit .288 with 24 homers, 67 RBIs and 13 SBs with the A's, Laureano has had an OPS+ above average only once in the last four years.

The eight lower-ranked teams than Cleveland all passed on claiming Laureano, none of them playoff contenders. The Guards 

To make room on the 40-man roster RHP Chris Vallimont was designated for assignment.

Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports