Aramis Ramirez rumors: Potential free agent 3B reportedly wants to stay with Brewers

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Aramis Ramirez would like to remain with the Brewers in 2015 and, potentially, beyond. Ramirez's future with the team is currently in flux as there is currently a mutual option between the two sides for $14 million that may or may not be picked up.

From this report, it seems like Ramirez picking up his side of the option may be likely. He is said to enjoy being in Milwaukee and would like to stay in the NL Central. The Cubs have a surfeit of hitting prospects and are unlikely to need a third baseman, the Pirates have Pedro Alvarez, the Cardinals have Matt Carpenter and the Reds have Todd Frazier. The only team in the division who needs a third baseman next year is, in fact, the Brewers.

That need may also cause the Brewers to pick up their side of the option, as well. If they do not, there is a $4 million buyout, meaning a true cost of taking the option is really about $10 million. Other third base options that will be on the free agent market such as Chase Headley and Pablo Sandoval figure to be much more pricey.

There's also the matter of the Brewers having a dearth of third base prospects. Jason Rogers may be major league ready, but he can't be trusted enough to be handed a job and may figure to be a better bet as a bench corner infielder and pinch hitter with some pop. After Rogers, there's nothing until 2014 draft pick Dustin DeMuth, and who knows if he'll become anything.

Thus, for the short-term, the Brewers will need a third baseman. Given Ramirez's desire to stay in Milwaukee along with his still-potent bat (.285/.330/.427 in 2014; 834 OPS over the last three years in Milwaukee0, it seems like the odds are in favor of him returning.

As Heyman mentions in his article, there is also the possibility that Ramirez returns, but not on the contract his option would give him. Instead, the sides could work out a multi-year (likely a two-year) deal at a moderate average annual value. All-in-all, that may actually benefit both sides the most.

Regardless of what happens, it's always nice to hear that a player enjoys Milwaukee. For years, the opposite held true: Reports were that players actively avoided playing for the Brewers, or the Bucks, or even the Packers because Wisconsin isn't as desirable a location for the rich and famous as, say, Miami or Los Angeles or New York. Recently, though, it seems like that is changing. Ryan Braun signed long-term to stay in Wisconsin, Aramis Ramirez 'loves' Milwaukee, Jabari Parker openly lobbied the Bucks to draft him. Wisconsin's moving up!

Regardless, with the Brewers needing a third baseman in what should be another competitive season next year, the odds keep getting better Ramirez will once again be back at the hot corner for Milwaukee.