Guardians DFA Former Top Outfield Talent

It was a bit of a tough day for Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, as he was forced to tell a player that he's had a history with that he was being designated for assignment. 7-year MLB veteran Ramon Laureano was given his walking papers.

#Guardians manager Stephen Vogt on bringing up OF Johnathan Rodríguez from AAA Columbus & designating OF Ramón Laureano for assignment pic.twitter.com/bk56dxVKF0
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 20, 2024

"Disappointing, sad day to let Ramon go, especially with my relationship with him, being a former teammate. It was just time on both sides. Obviously, not a fun day or decision, and I wish Ramon nothing but the best."

Laureano was once a top prospect in the Oakland A's system, and broke through in his first full season in 2018 with a combination of power and speed that made him a valuable commodity for the A's. That year, he posted 24 homers and 13 stolen bases with a .288 average and an .860 OPS (OPS+ of 129).

But injuries took their toll on the Dominican outfielder, derailing his career from then on. He came over to Cleveland late last season and performed at least at an average level with an OPS+ of 102. The team tendered him a contract after the 2023 season and he signed a one-year, $5.15 million deal. They will now have to eat most of that, unless Laureano is claimed on waivers, which is highly doubtful.

This season, in 31 games, the 29-year-old was batting just .143 with a .494 OPS (46 OPS+), and for a team with hopes of winning a division, it was just untenable to keep him on the roster any longer.

His career is also stained by a PED suspension of 80 games, levied in 2021.