Former A’s outfielder Ramon Laureano to join Cleveland Guardians

Aug 7, 2023, 11:58 AM | Updated: 12:30 pm

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 03: Ramon Laureano #22 of the Oakland Athletics make a sliding catch taking a hi...

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

It didn’t take long for Ramón Laureno to find a new home.

Just 48 hours removed from the Oakland Athletics designating the 29-year-old for assignment, Laureano has reportedly been claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

Laureano struggled to a .213 batting average while hitting six home runs and driving in 21 RBI over 64 games in a season plagued by injury and inconsistency.

With Oakland well out of the MLB Playoff picture, the team opted to designate ‘Laser Ramon’ for assignment during the weekend to let young players like JJ Bleday, Estuery Ruiz, and Brent Rooker get more playing time.

“With Esty (Ruiz) coming back and looking at playing time and at-bats going forward, there’s never a good time for something like this,” A’s general manager David Forst said on Saturday. “Ramón’s been here a long time, but this was the time to move on.”

Thank you, Ramón!

Wishing you the best in Cleveland! pic.twitter.com/t5py0iRJ82

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 7, 2023

The Cuban outfielder was the final remaining staple from the Athletics’ 2018-20 postseason teams, having been a member of the organization since being acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros before the 2018 season.

Over six seasons in the green and gold, Laureano batted .246 with 68 home runs, 205 RBI, 53 stolen bases, and 249 runs over 471 games.

Laureano was known for his flashy defense and incredible arm strength during his time in Oakland, having pieced together a highlight reel of outstanding defensive plays.

During his time with the A’s, Laureano manned center field for 322 games and right field for 148 games, something that is expected to come in handy for a Guardians team that could use a boost in outfield production.

Laureano’s tenure in Oakland has come to an end following six seasons that were full of fun times, although the tail-end of the outfielder’s time in an A’s uniform was shrouded in negativity.

During the 2021 season, Laureano was suspended for 80 games without pay for violating MLB’s performance enhancing drug policy.

With Oakland in the rear-view, Laureano will look to help a Guardians team to the postseason as Cleveland sits 4.5 games behind the American League Central-leading Minnesota Twins and 8.5 games behind the third and final American League Wild Card spot.