Yordany Ramirez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #20 prospect in 2008
  When the Astros traded outfield prospect Josh Anderson to the Braves for Oscar Villareal, new Astros GM Ed Wade said he wouldn't have made the deal if he hadn't signed Ramirez as a six-year minor league free agent. Several teams pursued Ramirez, but Houston sweetened its offer with the promise of a spot on the 40-man roster and a long look in big league camp this spring. There's little doubt about Ramirez' defensive ability, as he's the best center fielder in the system. He has exceptional range thanks to his first-step quickness and ability to read balls off the bat, and he has a plus arm as a bonus. The question is whether Ramirez can hit enough to be a productive big leaguer. Though he set personal bests in many categories last year, he's still a career .251 hitter with modest power and little plate discipline. The ball does jump off his bat at times, but not on any kind of consistent basis. Ramirez is too aggressive at the plate, but he's starting to figure out that his chances of playing in the majors depend on making more contact and getting on base more often to take advantage of his above-average speed. The Astros may start Ramirez at Double-A this year, but they'd like him to be ready in 2009 as insurance in case new center fielder Michael Bourn can't get the job done.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #23 prospect in 2005
  A series of minor, nagging injuries have limited Ramirez to just 88 games in his three years, frustrating team officials who see him as possessing possibly the best all-around package of tools in the organization. He flashed them all in Arizona, while also still showing how raw he is. Ramirez has a smooth swing and gap power that should increase as he learns to incorporate his lower half into his swing. He's a flashy center fielder with plus speed and the best outfield arm in the organization. He's too aggressive at the plate and needs to get on base more to take advantage of his excellent baserunning skills. Health is the key for Ramirez, and the Padres would like to see him get a full season in. He made progress in instructional league, choking up on the bat in order to make more contact, and spent the winter on a conditioning program. He'll spend 2005 patrolling center field in low Class A.