Yankees’ Agustin Ramirez Trends Up With Powerful April
A powerful showing in April had catcher Agustin Ramirez trending up in the Yankees’ system.
The six-foot, 210-pound catcher hit nine home runs through 20 games at Double-A Somerset as part of a .247/.370/.610 start.
Ramirez cleared the Class A levels in 2023 but scuffled following an August promotion to Somerset. The 22-year-old was up to the Double-A challenge this season. What changed?
“I’ve been working on my objectives since spring training, and one of the main ones has been launch angle,” Ramirez said through interpreter and Somerset hitting coach Kevin Martir.
“I’ve been working on that, and I feel like it’s been showing up . . . I have a great opportunity here. I’m thankful for the year I had last year, and I’m going to try to keep building on that as well.”
Ramirez signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018. Power has never been a question, but the same cannot be said for his work behind the plate, particularly his throwing.
Ramirez threw out 21% of 104 basestealers last season in 80 games behind the dish. He had thrown out just two of the first 22 to challenge him this year.
Ramirez has split starts at catcher with Somerset teammate Ben Rice. He is confident he will improve defensively with consistent reps and avoid making a full-time move to first base, a position he had played sparingly this year.
“I take a lot of pride in it,” Ramirez said. “I don’t want any excuses, like I have bad defense but can hit. My focus is still there on blocking and being able to communicate better, as well as working on my exchange time.”
