Kapler says ‘realistic’ for Ramos to make 2021 Giants debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Heliot Ramos put on a big power display during his Cactus League audition with the Giants this spring.
Listening to manager Gabe Kapler on KNBR’s “Murph and Mac” show Monday, Ramos could be launching homers at Oracle Park as early as this season.
“I think that’s a realistic goal, making his major league debut this year,” Kapler said. “He needs upper level development. His game is not all the way there yet.”
The 21-year-old outfielder’s power bat is his most attractive tool, as he blasted three homers in two games a couple of weeks ago.
In 32 Cactus League plate appearances he posted a .387/.406/.710 slash line with six RBIs, one walk and eight strikeouts before being re-assigned to minor league camp on Sunday.
Ramos has a chance to begin the year with Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats, but only has 19 games above the Single-A level for his career, coming with Double-A Richmond in 2019.
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Kapler said Ramos, the team’s top outfield prospect, needs to refine his defensive positioning, throwing and other aspects of his game like baserunning. Kapler said he can see Ramos playing all three outfield positions, so he could become a valuable bat off the bench later this season.
“Sure the power’s awesome and he is a great all-around athlete and has a lot of characteristics that at one point will make him a great major leaguer,” Kapler said. “But he’s not there. He needs sharpening from every angle.”
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