Richard Ramirez
Richard Ramirez
Position: C
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/03/2005
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2022
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
Ramirez signed as a defense-oriented catcher whose bat figured to be a question mark. He’s turned out so far to have a potentially good combination of power and a strong arm.
2022-23
Ramirez didn’t hit much in the DSL in 2022, although he only turned 17 about a month into the season. He was the primary catcher for one of the Pirates’ affiliates and didn’t play at all except behind the plate. He appears to have played well defensively and threw out 28% of base stealers.
Returning to the level in 2023, Ramirez started hitting for power and also cut his strikeouts sharply. He batted 252/361/476, with good walk and K rates. He again played only behind the plate and threw out an impressive 54% of base stealers. Ramirez didn’t turn 18 until after the season started.
2024
Ramirez was the most-used catcher for the FCL Pirates in 2024 and had a promising season. He showed good power, batting 288/374/464 with five home runs. He did have a tendency to chase, leading to a 32% K rate. Ramirez displayed a strong arm, throwing out 47% of base stealers and picking off a number of others. His receiving still needs work. He played a dozen games at first as the Pirates rotated players among catcher, first and DH.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2022: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.