Entering 2024, one of the Royals’ best-kept secrets remains catcher Ramon Ramirez. Ramirez had a strong debut season as an 18-year-old in last year’s Dominican Summer League. Much like pitcher Emmanuel Reyes, Ramirez signed as an older international prospect and immediately hit the ground running. He became one of just 12 qualified minor league backstops since 2006 to hit at least .320 and five home runs while walking more than 10% and striking out less than 15%. Sure, that mix of stats is about as cherry-picked as you can get but one thing is clear: Ramirez is a name on the rise entering next season.
Season Stats:
2023 (DSL): .344/.440/.615, 14.0% BB%, 12.0% K%, 168 wRC+
Although it was a strong showing, it was still just one season in the DSL for Ramirez. The league is littered with such a wide range of talent that it’s hard to take away too much from the results there last season. However, Ramirez is set to debut stateside to start the 2024 season. If he can show up in a big way to open next year’s Complex League he could be on the fast track to Columbia.
Fellow prospect Emmanuel Reyes went through a similar path to the minor leagues. Reyes debuted in 2022 and dominated the DSL before starting the 2023 season in Arizona. All signs point to Ramirez sticking behind the dish, at least for now. He has a bulky, muscular build that should fit well behind the plate. His advanced approach for this stage in his development is a big sign of things to come.
Scouting Grades:
Hit: 40/60
Game Power: 40/55
Raw Power: 45/55
speed: 30/30
Glove: 40/50
Arm: 45/55
Best Case Scenario
The best case for Ramirez is something similar to Alejandro Kirk or Carlos Santana. If he maintains a sound approach at the plate with enough power to matter, he could become a heart-of-the-order bat regardless of where he lands defensively. The path to an everyday catcher is clear, but as Ramirez continues to bulk up he may profile more as a first baseman by the time he reaches the upper minor leagues. It’s a rare blend of ability with the bat and patience hardly seen from prospects so young.
Worst Case Scenario
Worst case, Fermin could become a solid backup catcher in the major leagues. Although he was older and in Rookie Ball, a younger Freddy Fermin once slashed .282/.403/.356 with a 15.4% walk rate. Fermin didn’t have nearly as much power as Ramirez has shown thus far, but it’s yet to be seen if that power output can translate against stiffer minor-league competition. As a young international prospect, the range of outcomes will always be vast and the floor remains as low as the ceiling is high.
