Brewers have meeting with catcher Ramos

LAS VEGAS - The Milwaukee Brewers have both catchers back who finished the 2018 season with them, Manny Piña and Erik Kratz, but have explored at least one possibility at upgrading that position.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported Tuesday that the Brewers met Monday with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos, who came to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino to meet in person with interested clubs at the winter meetings.

Ramos, 31, split the 2018 season with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, getting named to the American League all-star team before being traded. In 382 atbats, he batted .306 with a .358 on-base percentage, 15 home runs and 70 RBI.

Piña and Kratz are not considered in Wilson's offensive class but are rated better defensive catchers. Much better, in fact. The Brewers also have 23-yearold prospect Jacob Nottingham waiting in the wings and recently signed career backup catcher Tuffy Gosewisch.

Ramos, who has battled injuries in recent years, also reportedly met with the New York Mets, who have been involved in trade talks with Miami for catcher J.T. Realmuto. Other teams believed to have interest in Ramos include Oakland and Minnesota.

It is not known how many years or what kind of money Ramos is looking for but he had a $8.5 million salary last year. Kratz recently signed a $1.2 million deal, only $300,000 of which reportedly was guaranteed, and Piña is arbitrationeligible for the first time after making $560,000 last season.

General manager David Stearns has acknowledged that he has less flexibility in his payroll budget this off-season, so whether he has room to fit Ramos remains to be seen. Stearns said Monday that principal owner Mark Attanasio is open to stretching payroll if the right opportunity comes along to add value.