Yankees have a special catcher prospect climbing the farm system

As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2024 season, there’s considerable excitement surrounding catcher Austin Wells and his promising lefty bat. However, another name in the Yankees’ farm system is generating buzz for his potential impact in the future: 22-year-old catching prospect Agustin Ramirez.

Ramirez’s Potential and Developmental Focus With the Yankees

Ramirez, known for his exceptional power, has the potential to be a significant home run hitter in the majors. His elite batted ball data and ability to generate high exit velocities set him apart as a prospect with generational power. However, Ramirez is still refining aspects of his game, particularly his bat path and launch angle, to increase his flyball rate and, thereby, his home run production.

Yankees hitting coordinator Joe Migliaccio emphasized the importance of Ramirez’s ability to elevate the ball.

“What’s going to separate him for being a 25-to-30 home run guy and being a 12-to-15 home run guy is his ability to elevate the baseball,” Migliaccio told NJ.com last year. “He’s either going to hit a ton of ground balls and line drives, or continue making improvements with his posture behind the baseball, delivering the optimal bat path to set him up to hit those balls that nobody can catch.”

Challenges and Growth in the Minors

Ramirez showcased his talent in High-A Hudson Valley, hitting an impressive .384/.430/.714 over 27 games, leading to a promotion to Double-A Somerset. However, his performance dipped at Double-A, a common challenge for minor-league prospects. Despite hitting just .211/.273/.313 across 31 games in Double-A, Ramirez’s work ethic and determination to improve remain strong.