Mets prospect Alex Ramirez unfazed by lofty expectations
Alex Ramirez is a prospect in the Mets organization, currently playing with the Brooklyn Cyclones. Credit: Brooklyn Cyclones/Matthew Kipp
A mere 19 years old and ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Mets’ minor league system by MLB.com, outfielder Alex Ramirez isn’t worried about feeling a sense of pressure to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him.
In fact, it’s a concept that he concisely said doesn’t faze him a bit.
“No pressure,” Ramirez told Newsday on Thursday.
Originally signed by the Mets as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in July of 2019, Ramirez has continued to demonstrate why the organization has such high hopes for his future.
Since receiving a promotion to High-A Brooklyn on July 4, the 6-3, 196-pound righthanded hitter has batted .290 with five home runs, 21 RBIs, 12 runs scored and an .881 OPS over 23 games.
Ramirez, who said “the game is a little bit faster … just trying to adjust to the speed,” noted the difference between Low-A and High-A competition that immediately stood out to him.
“The quality of pitching is a lot better,” Ramirez said. “At High-A the pitchers are not afraid of the hitters and have a lot of confidence, like throwing a breaking ball on 3-0 instead of a fastball.”
Making strides in his plate discipline has been the focal point that’s led to greater success for Ramirez this season.
“The biggest improvement this year has been controlling the strike zone,” Ramirez said.
He flashed plenty of potential in a recent five-game series against Hudson Valley from July 27-31, going 7-for-19 with three home runs, seven RBIs and four runs. Two of Ramirez’s home runs occurred in the finale.
He also opened eyes on July 22 against Jersey Shore by going 4-for-5 with a home run, a double and five RBIs.
While continuing to work his way through the minor league system, the expectations Ramirez has set for himself remain as clear as ever.
“Continue to work hard and help my team win,” Ramirez said. “If I do that the rest takes care of itself.”
Though he’s still in the relatively early days in his pursuit of one day making it to the majors, Ramirez acknowledged what that accomplishment would mean to him.
Said Ramirez: “It would be a dream come true to be able to say I worked hard enough to make it all the way.”
