Drafted in the 7th round (202nd overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2016 (signed for $300,000).
View Draft Report
Undersized at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Ramirez was North Carolina's best hitter in 2015 and for most of 2016 before slumping in the second half, particuarly after injuring his right wrist on a diving outfield play at Wake Forest. Ramirez has average power with a short, direct path to the ball, an accurate, average throwing arm and average speed, with solid instincts in center field. He's willing to go deep in counts, leading to both plent of walks but also strikeouts. Some have likened him to Jon Jay while others see him as a fourth outfielder at best.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Track Record: Ramirez hit .301 in three years at North Carolina and has showcased his sweet lefthanded swing in the Athletics' system since turning pro. In a full season at Double-A Midland in 2018 he ranked second in the Texas League in doubles (35), third in walks (62) and fifth in on-base percentage (.370). He also placed third in strikeouts (148), indicating that contact rate is his biggest area for improvement.
Scouting Report: The A's view Ramirez as a potential David DeJesus type of player based on his lefthanded bat, on-base-oriented approach and physical stature. Ramirez has plus potential as a hitter based on his short, direct swing path and ability to drive the ball line to line. His below-average power won't produce many home runs, but his sneaky solid-average speed allows him to leg out doubles and triples. Ramirez is patient and will wait for his pitch, and he hangs in against lefthanders. An instinctive defender in left field, he can hold his own in center with average range and an average, accurate arm.
The Future: Ramirez is ready for Triple-A, but as a corner player without big power, he faces an uphill climb to a regular big league role. In the right situation, his OBP skills could make him attractive as a table-setter.
Described as a “natural hitter” who can “flat-out hit,” the lefthanded-batting outfielder put together a fine 2017 in which he owned a .304 average and 11 homers over stints with high Class A Stockton and Double-A Midland. Ramirez hit lefties (.297 in 111 at-bats) almost as well as he did righties (.306 in 376 ABs). Ramirez possesses solid plate discipline. He walked (121) nearly as many times as he struck out (148) in his three seasons as a starter at North Carolina. His patience both helped (73 walks in 571 plate appearances) and hurt (133 strikeouts) him in 2017. Ramirez has played all three outfield spots in the minors, and seems to have found a home in left field. If necessary, he could play center at the big league level, but his lack of premium speed and first-step quickness make him better suited to left. It's not certain whether Ramirez has the power for a prototypical corner outfielder. His patience, bat-to-ball skills and general maturity as a hitter from the left side give him a chance to keep rising.
Draft Prospects
Undersized at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Ramirez was North Carolina's best hitter in 2015 and for most of 2016 before slumping in the second half, particuarly after injuring his right wrist on a diving outfield play at Wake Forest. Ramirez has average power with a short, direct path to the ball, an accurate, average throwing arm and average speed, with solid instincts in center field. He's willing to go deep in counts, leading to both plent of walks but also strikeouts. Some have likened him to Jon Jay while others see him as a fourth outfielder at best.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Oakland Athletics in 2018
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone