Chicago Cubs' third baseman Aramis Ramirez is looking for a multi-year deal this off-season, reports Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com. Ramirez is in his final guaranteed year of a five-year, $75 million contract he signed in November of 2006. But, he's looking to capitalize on being the top third baseman available.
"If I hit the marketplace I should end up with a two- or three-year deal," Ramirez told ESPNChicago.com. "The reason is, there aren't a lot of third baseman available this offseason. But if (Cubs officials) approach me, I'm sure we can get something done. But probably not for one year."
Ramirez, 33, is sporting a slash of .303/.357/.504 with 24 homers this season. Though he's only posting a 3.1 fWAR, 0.8 was ticked off because of Ramirez's poor defense. The 33-year-old has been one of the best offensively among third basemen, posting a .370 wOBA (Weighted on Base Average) and 128 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created), good for 1st and 3rd.
The Cubs have one day after the 2011 World Series to inform the third baseman if his $16 million option will be exercised. Ramirez can accept, or decline the Cubs decision, however, and become a free agent if he chooses to.