Heliot Lemuel Ramos Lebrón, a name that is increasingly becoming familiar to baseball enthusiasts, is a dynamic outfielder currently making his mark with the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 7, 1999, in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, Ramos possesses a compelling blend of athleticism, power, and potential that has captivated scouts and fans alike since his amateur days. This comprehensive article will delve into the journey of Heliot Ramos, exploring his background, his professional career trajectory, his strengths and areas for growth, and address the key questions that fans are searching for about this exciting young talent.

Early Life and Amateur Career: The Seeds of a Promising Talent

Heliot Ramos’s journey in baseball began in Puerto Rico, where he honed his skills and passion for the game.He attended Leadership Christian Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and further developed his talents playing for the Las Lomas Potros travel ball club. Even in his youth, Ramos displayed exceptional abilities that set him apart from his peers.

A significant milestone in his amateur career came in 2016 when he was named the Most Valuable Player of the prestigious Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. This showcase event, held at Wrigley Field, features the top high school juniors and seniors from across the nation. Ramos’s standout performance solidified his status as a highly regarded prospect.

Prior to turning professional, Ramos had committed to play college baseball at Florida International University. However, his impressive skill set and potential drew significant interest from MLB scouts, ultimately leading him down a different path.

Professional Career: A First-Round Draft Pick with High Expectations

The San Francisco Giants, recognizing the immense talent of Heliot Ramos, selected him in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft with the 19th overall pick. This made him the highest-drafted player out of Puerto Rico since Carlos Correa was the first overall pick in 2012, underscoring the high expectations surrounding his professional career.

2017-2018: Dominating the Rookie Leagues and Progressing to Single-A

Ramos began his professional career in 2017 with the Arizona League Giants, the Rookie-level affiliate of the San Francisco Giants based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His debut season was nothing short of spectacular. In just 35 games and 138 at-bats, Ramos showcased his offensive prowess, leading the league with a .645 slugging percentage. He also ranked second in batting average (.348) and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) at 1.049, and tied for seventh with six home runs.

His exceptional performance earned him recognition from Baseball America, who named him a 2017 Rookie-Level Classification All-Star. He was also lauded within the Giants’ organization, being rated by Baseball America as having the “Best Power Hitter,” “Best Defensive Player,” and “Best Athlete” in their 2017 draft class, along with having the “Best Pro Debut.” Additionally, he was named an Arizona League postseason All-Star and an MiLB.com Organization All-Star.

. He continued to gain valuable experience, playing in 124 games and accumulating 485 at-bats. While his numbers dipped slightly (.245 batting average, .313 on-base percentage, .396 slugging percentage), he still displayed his power potential with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs, also adding eight stolen bases. He was also selected to the 2018 All-Star Futures Game, further highlighting his status as a top prospect.

2019-2022: Climbing the Minor League Ladder and Reaching the Majors

The 2019 season saw Ramos begin with the San Jose Giants, the High-A affiliate in the California League. He excelled at this level, batting .306 (fourth in the league) with a .385 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage in 77 games.  Across both levels in 2019, Ramos played 102 games, hitting .290 with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs.  He also gained experience in the Arizona Fall League.

The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Ramos continued his development at the Giants’ alternate training site.

In 2021, Ramos was selected to his third All-Star Futures Game. He began the season in Double-A Richmond and was later promoted to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. Across 116 games at both levels, he hit .254 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs, also showcasing his speed with 15 stolen bases. Following the season, the Giants added Ramos to their 40-man roster on November 19, 2021, a significant step towards his major league debut. He was also ranked sixth in the Giants’ 2022 MLB Prospect Rankings.

 Starting in left field, he recorded two hits in his debut, becoming just the fifth Giants player aged 22 or younger since 1958 to achieve this feat. He played in a handful of games for the Giants in 2022, while also spending a significant portion of the season with Triple-A Sacramento, where he batted .227 with 11 home runs.

2023-Present: Establishing Himself in the Majors and Earning Recognition

 While his batting average was .179, he hit his first MLB home run on August 12th against the Texas Rangers. He also faced a setback, missing a significant amount of time due to an oblique strain.

The 2024 season proved to be a breakout year for Heliot Ramos. He played in 121 games for the Giants, showcasing his potential with a .269 batting average, 22 home runs, and 72 RBIs. His performance earned him his first MLB All-Star selection, a testament to his significant progress and impact on the team. Notably, on September 15, 2024, he hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres that landed directly into McCovey Cove, making him the first right-handed batter in Oracle Park’s history to achieve a “splash hit.”

Continuing into the 2025 season, as of May 7th, Ramos has played in 37 games, hitting .252 with 5 home runs and 14 RBIs. He has demonstrated flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick and continues to develop as a key member of the Giants’ outfield.

Personal Life: Family and Influences

Heliot Ramos comes from an athletic family. His brother, Henry Ramos, is also a professional baseball outfielder who made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. Another brother, Hector Ramos, is a professional soccer player and the all-time top scorer for the Puerto Rican national team. This strong athletic background likely played a significant role in shaping Heliot’s dedication and drive.

In February 2024, Heliot and his wife, Carolina López, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Heliana Carolina Ramos.

Final Thoughts

Heliot Ramos’s journey from a highly regarded amateur in Puerto Rico to an All-Star outfielder with the San Francisco Giants is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. He possesses a compelling blend of power, athleticism, and a strong arm, making him an exciting player to watch. While there are still areas for growth, his breakout season in 2024 indicates the immense potential he holds. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills at the major league level, Heliot Ramos has the opportunity to become a cornerstone player for the San Francisco Giants and a prominent figure in MLB for years to come. The questions and interest surrounding him online reflect the growing excitement among fans about his future and the impact he can make on the game.

FAQs

What were Heliot Ramos’s stats in 2024? 

In the 2024 season, Heliot Ramos played in 121 games for the San Francisco Giants, achieving a .269 batting average with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also recorded 6 stolen bases and had an OPS of .791. His performance earned him his first MLB All-Star selection.

Has Heliot Ramos reached any career highs in 2024? 

The 2024 season was a breakout year for Ramos, and his 22 home runs and 72 RBIs were his highest totals in a single MLB season so far. His .269 batting average was also a significant improvement over previous MLB seasons. Earning his first All-Star selection in 2024 was another career high.

What is Heliot Ramos’s defensive profile? 

Ramos has primarily played center field and left field in his professional career. While he possesses a strong arm, some scouting reports suggest his long-term fit might be better in a corner outfield spot (like right field) as he has filled out. However, in 2024, he also showed he can be an above-average defender in center field based on metrics like Outs Above Average.

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