When Hanley Ramirez showed up at spring training for the Boston Red Sox, he put high expectations on himself. He even said he wanted to have a 30-30 season at the age of 34.
But if Ramirez continues at this pace, it could bring up a big decision at the end of the year. He has a vesting option for 497 plate appearances in 2018, something he has reached the last two seasons in Boston. The option is worth $22 million dollars, and is good for just the 2019 season.
Within that lies the choice: Will the Red Sox bench Hanley Ramirez, even if he continues to tear it up?