Author Topic: Follow the Prospects: Rafael Ramirez Jr, SS (Read 1507 times)

nobleisthyname · « **on:** July 31, 2024, 08:24:37 pm »

Rafael Ramirez Jr.
Born 7/22/2005 in Paterson, NJ
6'0 159
B/T: L/R
Signed with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022
Acquired by the Nationals in July 2024 for Lane Thomas

https://www.milb.com/player/rafael-ramirez-jr-800201

MLB.com Scouting report:

Quote

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

The son of the former All-Star shortstop of the same name, Ramirez was born in New Jersey but grew up in the Dominican Republic. He signed with the Guardians for $800,000 in 2022 and is one of the more physical middle-infield prospects in the system. He made his U.S. debut last summer in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, where he ranked second in walks (50) and seventh in on-base percentage (.453). He was off to a slow run with Single-A Lynchburg to begin his age-18 season when Cleveland dealt him and two other youngsters to Washington for Lane Thomas.

At least 15 pounds heavier than his listed 159, Ramirez has the developing strength and the bat speed to produce 15-20 homers per season. He already displays the aptitude for turning on pitches and launching them in the air. He'll need to make more consistent contact after logging a 28 percent strikeout rate in the ACL, but he has the sound left-handed stroke and bat-to-ball skills to do so once he refines his approach.

Like many sons of former big leaguers, Ramirez has a high baseball IQ. He's an average runner who gets the most out of his speed on the bases. He exhibits quick hands and solid arm strength at shortstop, though he may slow a bit as he matures physically and wind up at second or third base.

He's been assigned to Fredericksburg.

imref · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2024, 11:21:16 pm »

Thanks Noble!

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #2 on:** August 01, 2024, 04:35:49 pm »

Age: 19
Team rank: 23
Current level: A

July recap

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

66

|

.189

|

.318

|

.264

|

1

|

3

|

34.8%

|

16.7%

|

.075

|

.582

|

83

Year-to-date
Games played at position
SS: 29
3B: 12
2B: 10
DH: 4

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

220

|

.188

|

.300

|

.317

|

4

|

7

|

33.6%

|

13.6%

|

.129

|

.617

|

87

Elvir Ovcina · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2024, 07:46:32 pm »

I like this guy a lot more after having seen him in person, which I did today.

He played 2B and looked comfortable there, although he just needs more reps. Couldn't judge him off SS other than "yes, I could believe that dude could also possibly play SS." No red flags, in other words.

At the plate, approach was okay, decent swing plane leading to decent results. The ball got to the good part of the bat in 3/4 ABs (1 K) despite going 0-4, and he's got pretty good ability to get his hands to the right place. He's definitely got some physical projection and that could really, really make a difference. A little bit more strength throughout his body and he'd likely have been 2-4 with a homer.

He's still very young for level and needs to hit the weights (and especially not skip legs day), but I can see why they traded for him. Easily the most promising IF on the FredNats roster right now, although he needs to repeat the level for at least half of last year. But 15-20 pounds of muscle could really help this guy.

Natsinpwc · « **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2024, 07:53:10 pm »

Quote from: Elvir Ovcina on August 04, 2024, 07:46:32 pm

I like this guy a lot more after having seen him in person, which I did today.

He played 2B and looked comfortable there, although he just needs more reps. Couldn't judge him off SS other than "yes, I could believe that dude could also possibly play SS." No red flags, in other words.

At the plate, approach was okay, decent swing plane leading to decent results. The ball got to the good part of the bat in 3/4 ABs (1 K) despite going 0-4, and he's got pretty good ability to get his hands to the right place. He's definitely got some physical projection and that could really, really make a difference. A little bit more strength throughout his body and he'd likely have been 2-4 with a homer.

He's still very young for level and needs to hit the weights (and especially not skip legs day), but I can see why they traded for him. Easily the most promising IF on the FredNats roster right now, although he needs to repeat the level for at least half of last year. But 15-20 pounds of muscle could really help this guy.

Thanks for the in person update. Who is he playing for and where did you see?

Elvir Ovcina · « **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2024, 08:03:46 pm »

Quote from: Natsinpwc on August 04, 2024, 07:53:10 pm

Thanks for the in person update. Who is he playing for and where did you see?

Fredericksburg. At Lynchburg today.

Natsinpwc · « **Reply #6 on:** August 04, 2024, 08:12:07 pm »

Quote from: Elvir Ovcina on August 04, 2024, 08:03:46 pm

Fredericksburg. At Lynchburg today.

Thanks.
I always wanted to go to a game in Salem but never worked out and now we don’t head down that way anymore.

Elvir Ovcina · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2024, 08:16:24 pm »

Quote from: Natsinpwc on August 04, 2024, 08:12:07 pm

Thanks.
I always wanted to go to a game in Salem but never worked out and now we don’t head down that way anymore.

I would have gone there instead of Lynchburg today if they were at home (it would have worked more easily with my travel plans). Still haven't been.

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2024, 01:54:55 pm »

Age: 19
Team rank: 20
Current level: A (on 7-day IL)

August recap

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

58

|

.163

|

.293

|

.265

|

0

|

0

|

36.2%

|

15.5%

|

.102

|

.558

|

75

Year-to-date
Games played at position
SS: 29
2B: 24
3B: 12
DH: 6

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

278

|

.183

|

.299

|

.306

|

4

|

7

|

34.2%

|

14.0%

|

.123

|

.605

|

85

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #9 on:** October 09, 2024, 03:36:59 pm »

Age: 19
Team rank: 20
Current level: A

Season recap
Games played at position
SS: 29
2B: 24
3B: 12
DH: 6

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

278

|

.183

|

.299

|

.306

|

4

|

7

|

34.2%

|

14.0%

|

.123

|

.605

|

85

imref · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2025, 01:25:02 pm »

Camerato update:

Quote

SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. (No. 20)
Age: 19
Signing class: 2022, $800,000 (Guardians)
Major League ETA: 2027
Last season: Single-A Lynchburg, Single-A Fredericksburg (acquired from Cleveland in Lane Thomas trade)
2024 stats: 71 games, .183/.299/.306, .605 OPS, 13 doubles, 4 home runs, 23 RBIs, 7 steals
MLB Pipeline: “At least 15 pounds heavier than his listed 159, Ramirez has the developing strength and the bat speed to produce 15-20 homers per season. He already displays the aptitude for turning on pitches and launching them in the air. … Like many sons of former big leaguers, Ramirez has a high baseball IQ. He's an average runner who gets the most out of his speed on the bases.”

Smithian · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2025, 10:01:42 am »

Not in the Nationals Top 30 prospects on MLB.com, which surprised me. Only a week past turning 19 when the Nationals acquired him. He won't be 20 until this summer. He can hold up defensively at multiple defensive positions. Has a bit of pop, so not destined to be a pure singles hitter.

He was bad at the plate in Fredericksburg, but it was a pretty limited sample size after a move and again he was barely 19. That's young, even for Low A.

I don't think he is a top 10 prospect, but he and Luke Dickerson are probably the only infielders I'm really paying attention to below Harrisburg, unless Seaver King starts in Wilmington.

zimm_da_kid · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2025, 10:50:37 pm »

Quote from: Smithian on March 17, 2025, 10:01:42 am

Not in the Nationals Top 30 prospects on MLB.com, which surprised me. Only a week past turning 19 when the Nationals acquired him. He won't be 20 until this summer. He can hold up defensively at multiple defensive positions. Has a bit of pop, so not destined to be a pure singles hitter.

He was bad at the plate in Fredericksburg, but it was a pretty limited sample size after a move and again he was barely 19. That's young, even for Low A.

I don't think he is a top 10 prospect, but he and Luke Dickerson are probably the only infielders I'm really paying attention to below Harrisburg, unless Seaver King starts in Wilmington.

He’s destined to repeat what he did at this past trade deadline sometime between next offseason and two offseason after that, he’ll be the 2nd or third piece in a trade for a non-elite player

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2025, 12:46:08 pm »

Age: 19
Team rank: Unranked
Current level: A (on 7-Day IL)

Hasn't played yet and is listed on the IL.

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #14 on:** August 01, 2025, 04:56:15 pm »

Age: 20
Team rank: Unranked
Current level: FCL (on rehab assignment)

July recap
Games played at position
2B: 10

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

29

|

.211

|

.483

|

.263

|

0

|

1

|

27.6%

|

31.0%

|

.053

|

.746

|

143

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #15 on:** September 01, 2025, 12:08:43 pm »

Age: 20
Team rank: Unranked
Current level: A

August recap

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

11

|

.100

|

.182

|

.100

|

0

|

0

|

27.3%

|

9.1%

|

.000

|

.282

|

-6

Year-to-date (2 levels)
Games played at position
2B: 11
3B: 1
DH: 1

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

40

|

.172

|

.400

|

.207

|

0

|

1

|

27.5%

|

25.0%

|

.034

|

.607

|

102

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #16 on:** October 11, 2025, 12:10:18 pm »

Age: 20
Team rank: Unranked
Current level: A

September recap

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

7

|

.167

|

.286

|

.500

|

0

|

0

|

28.6%

|

14.3%

|

.333

|

.786

|

117

Season recap (2 levels)
Games played at position
2B: 11
DH: 3
3B: 2
RF: 1

PA

|

AVG

|

OBP

|

SLG

|

HR

|

SB

|

K%

|

BB%

|

ISO

|

OPS

|

wRC+

47

|

.171

|

.383

|

.257

|

0

|

1

|

27.7%

|

23.4%

|

.086

|

.640

|

104

nobleisthyname · « **Reply #17 on:** May 15, 2026, 10:08:27 am »

Seems to have been kind of forgotten about after missing most of last season due to injury, didn't even make a notable mention on FanGraph's prospect ranking for the Nats, but he's doing well in Fredericksburg to start this season, hitting .254/.408/.441 with more walks than strikeouts and 2 home runs. Has a 17.1% strikeout rate which seems promising. Has mostly been playing 3rd and 2nd so far this season.

blue911 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 31, 2026, 07:52:31 am »

Quote from: Elvir Ovcina on August 04, 2024, 07:46:32 pm

I like this guy a lot more after having seen him in person, which I did today.

He played 2B and looked comfortable there, although he just needs more reps. Couldn't judge him off SS other than "yes, I could believe that dude could also possibly play SS." No red flags, in other words.

At the plate, approach was okay, decent swing plane leading to decent results. The ball got to the good part of the bat in 3/4 ABs (1 K) despite going 0-4, and he's got pretty good ability to get his hands to the right place. He's definitely got some physical projection and that could really, really make a difference. A little bit more strength throughout his body and he'd likely have been 2-4 with a homer.

He's still very young for level and needs to hit the weights (and especially not skip legs day), but I can see why they traded for him. Easily the most promising IF on the FredNats roster right now, although he needs to repeat the level for at least half of last year. But 15-20 pounds of muscle could really help this guy.

I saw him yesterday and it appears he took your advice on weight training.

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #19 on:** June 08, 2026, 04:17:15 pm »

Quote from: nobleisthyname on May 15, 2026, 10:08:27 am

Seems to have been kind of forgotten about after missing most of last season due to injury, didn't even make a notable mention on FanGraph's prospect ranking for the Nats, but he's doing well in Fredericksburg to start this season, hitting .254/.408/.441 with more walks than strikeouts and 2 home runs. Has a 17.1% strikeout rate which seems promising. Has mostly been playing 3rd and 2nd so far this season.

Only gotten better.

142 PA, .275 / .437 / .440, 20.4 BB%, 22.5 K%, .360 BABIP, 3 HR, 146 wRC+. Very selective (33 Swing%), not a good contact rate (69.7%)

Lintyfresh85 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 09, 2026, 10:06:21 am »

Where are you guys getting swing rate and contact rate stats for minor leagues?

JCA-CrystalCity · « **Reply #21 on:** June 09, 2026, 11:11:20 am »

Quote from: Lintyfresh85 on June 09, 2026, 10:06:21 am

Where are you guys getting swing rate and contact rate stats for minor leagues?

Statcast, as picked up by Fangraphs in its "Plate discipline - Statcast" box on player pages. For Ramirez, it's the second box from the bottom:
https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-ramirez-jr/sa3018476/stats/batting

Doesn't have the O and Z information split, but has First strike % as well as swinging strike and called strike. High called strike, low swing %, looks like to me pretty patient. Maybe I don't understand the stat, but I'm not good with a <70% contact rate.