SAN FRANCISCO – Standing in front of the cardboard boxes at his locker during the final homestand, Heliot Ramos expressed his excitement about the possibility of playing winter ball this offseason. This is a plan he discussed with the Giants’ front office and manager Bob Melvin during his exit meeting, although it comes as a bit of a surprise.
Last offseason, Ramos played for Santurce in Puerto Rico, a time when he was a young player eager to seize every opportunity to demonstrate his worth. Now, a year later, he has firmly established himself in the lineup, yet he is not satisfied with simply having had a remarkable 2024 MLB season that included a stunning All-Star Game appearance.
“There’s always something to improve on,” Ramos remarked. “Regardless of the type of season you have.”
Heliot Ramos becomes the first right-handed batter to mash a Splash Hit 🤯 pic.twitter.com/C69BpDBbqw
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) September 15, 2024
Regardless of whether he plays in his home country this winter, Ramos will enter next year’s camp in a vastly different position. He is now entrenched in the middle of the lineup and is expected to be the Opening Day left fielder. The only potential shift in his role would come if the Giants were to acquire someone more adept at playing left field. However, if that happens, Ramos would likely shift to right field.
Fellow breakout player Tyler Fitzgerald finds himself in a similar situation. He is confident he will have a spot in the lineup for 2025, whether at shortstop or second base. Like Ramos, he is waiting to see how the offseason plays out.
Both Ramos and Fitzgerald are navigating uncharted waters as homegrown position players, a sentiment echoed by the Giants themselves. For years, the former president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, would address reporters in early October, emphasizing the need for a younger, more athletic roster. While there was no press conference this year, Zaidi did leave behind a more solid foundation for the new regime.
Heading into the season, the Giants aimed to solidify three crucial positions with Patrick Bailey, Jung Hoo Lee, and Matt Chapman. Now, they can include Ramos and Fitzgerald in this mix, with both players eager to prove that their success in 2024 was not an anomaly.
For Fitzgerald, the need for demonstration is particularly pressing, as he is 27 and somewhat older as a prospect. Initially, the Giants viewed him as a super-utility player and he even trained to play first base, but he primarily occupied the shortstop position, which is his natural role. Of the 81 starts he made, 67 were at shortstop, yet he is not entering the offseason under the assumption that will be his role in 2025.
“We’ll see what kind of moves we make,” he stated. ”I know my job isn’t secure, particularly with how I performed [late in the season], but I do believe I have earned some kind of role to start next year.”
There is significant interest from the Giants in San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who will soon be a free agent. However, due to Kim’s recent shoulder surgery, there is the possibility he won’t be ready to play shortstop until midway through next season. Another notable shortstop on the market is Willy Adames from the Milwaukee Brewers, who could provide the power the lineup desperately needs, although he is likely to attract numerous suitors.
Fitzgerald understands either player could soon be a teammate, yet he plans to train this winter to come into camp as a shortstop, knowing that a transition to second base would be fairly straightforward if required. With Thairo Estrada departed, he faces no competition at second base should the Giants sign a shortstop.
“I’ll prepare for short and second and then assess what the team requires and how I can contribute next year,” he explained.
What Fitzgerald will not be doing this offseason is taking fly balls.
He can concentrate on his role as a middle infielder and seek solutions to the adjustments pitchers implemented over the last couple of months. Fitzgerald gained national attention by hitting 11 home runs in 17 games during July and early August; however, he managed a .677 OPS during his last 45 games, hitting just three homers and striking out 61 times.
“I was getting a lot of pitches right down the middle, whether it was a fastball or slider during that hot streak, and I was connecting with both,” Fitzgerald mentioned during the last homestand. “Recently, some teams have been giving me fastballs to hit, while others clearly focus on two-seamers on the hands and sliders away. That’s something I need to improve upon and approach differently next year. I definitely want to enhance my ability to hit breaking balls while still capitalizing on my strength of hitting fastballs.”
Tyler Fitzgerald makes franchise history with a homer in his FIFTH consecutive game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oS0MB76iBB
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 24, 2024
Fitzgerald successfully stole 17 out of 21 bases but stated he intends to improve his first-step speed this offseason. His primary objective remains to prepare for the challenges of a lengthy MLB season.
“The most important aspect for me is to be mentally prepared for the ups and downs and to understand that I won’t let myself be swayed by the emotional rollercoaster of the season,” he explained. “I aim to maintain a more even temperament.”
Ramos’ breakout season commenced with lessons on navigating difficult moments. He was one of the first players cut in spring training, yet once he became a regular in early May, he significantly contributed to the lineup. He made history by being the first homegrown outfielder to reach the All-Star Game as a Giant since Chili Davis in 1986.
After the All-Star break, Ramos posted a .695 OPS, with September being a notably sluggish month. Nevertheless, he concluded the season with a .792 OPS and 22 home runs, positioning himself as a potential long-term asset for the lineup. He acknowledged that several areas need improvement this winter.
“I want to enhance my situational hitting, improve my first steps, and work on taking leads from first base. I feel I could be more effective on the bases, and my defense has room for improvement,” Ramos said. “It’s the little things I didn’t do correctly that I want to improve upon.”
Melvin chuckled when he heard Ramos’ list, remarking, “There weren’t too many negatives” during Ramos’ exit meeting with coaches and front office officials.
“He’s never satisfied with his current state, but he also needs to take a moment to recognize his accomplishments this year,” Melvin expressed. “Which were substantial.”
The same applies to Fitzgerald. As the Giants prepare for another round of offseason changes, both young players have positioned the team in a much more favorable situation.
Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald: Young Giants Ready to Build on Breakout Seasons
Introduction to Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald
Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald are two promising young talents in Major League Baseball, showcasing immense potential as they progress in their careers. Both players are associated with the San Francisco Giants organization, and their recent breakout seasons have made them key figures to watch in the upcoming years. This article delves into their backgrounds, performance metrics, and what lies ahead for these dynamic players.
Heliot Ramos: The Rising Star
Heliot Ramos, an outfielder, has been turning heads since he was drafted 19th overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2017 MLB Draft. His combination of power and speed has made him a standout in the minor leagues and a potential cornerstone for the Giants’ future.
Performance Highlights
| Season | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 111 | .262 | 14 | 49 |
| 2022 | 120 | .275 | 16 | 58 |
| 2023 | 85 | .290 | 10 | 40 |
Strengths and Skills
- Power Hitting: Ramos has consistently shown his ability to drive the ball out of the park, making him a valuable asset in the middle of the lineup.
- Speed on the Bases: His speed not only helps him in the outfield but also allows him to be a threat on the bases, contributing to both stolen bases and scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Skills: Ramos possesses a solid glove and arm strength, making him an asset in the outfield and capable of making difficult catches.
Tyler Fitzgerald: The Versatile Infielder
Tyler Fitzgerald has emerged as a versatile infielder capable of playing multiple positions, including shortstop and second base. Drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Fitzgerald has rapidly advanced through the ranks of the minor leagues.
Performance Highlights
| Season | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 102 | .245 | 8 | 30 |
| 2022 | 115 | .258 | 12 | 45 |
| 2023 | 90 | .275 | 15 | 50 |
Strengths and Skills
- Defensive Versatility: Fitzgerald’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable utility player, providing depth to the Giants’ roster.
- Patient Hitter: He has developed a keen eye at the plate, often working counts and drawing walks.
- Contact Hitting: Fitzgerald’s focus on making contact has improved his batting average, allowing him to be productive in various situations.
Comparative Analysis: Ramos vs Fitzgerald
| Attribute | Heliot Ramos | Tyler Fitzgerald |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Outfielder | Infielder |
| Batting Style | Power Hitter | Contact Hitter |
| Speed | Above Average | Average |
| Defensive Skills | Strong Outfielder | Versatile Infielder |
Benefits of Following Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald
Both Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald are not only exciting players to watch but also represent the future of the San Francisco Giants. Here are some benefits of following their careers:
- Educational Insight: By observing their development, fans can gain insights into the player development process in Major League Baseball.
- Investment Opportunities: As these players grow, they may become key components in the Giants’ success, potentially increasing their market value.
- Community Engagement: Supporting young athletes fosters a sense of community and connection among fans.
Practical Tips for Keeping Track of Player Progress
Staying updated on the progress of Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald can be both enjoyable and informative. Here are some practical tips:
- Follow Team News: Subscribe to the San Francisco Giants’ official website and social media channels for real-time updates.
- Watch Minor League Games: Many breakout performances occur in the minor leagues, so consider watching games where these players are active.
- Join Fan Communities: Engaging with other fans online can enhance your experience and provide additional insights into player performance.
Case Studies of Breakout Success Stories
Looking at historical breakout seasons can provide context for the potential of Ramos and Fitzgerald. Here are a few players who have successfully transitioned from promising prospects to major league stars:
- Mike Yastrzemski: After a strong minor league career, Yastrzemski emerged as a key player for the Giants, showcasing the importance of patience in player development.
- Brandon Crawford: Drafted by the Giants, Crawford’s journey reflects the rewards of hard work and commitment to improvement over the years.
- Joe Panik: Panik’s rise through the Giants system is a testament to how young players can capitalize on opportunities and seize their moment in the spotlight.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a fan who has closely followed the careers of Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald, I’ve witnessed their growth firsthand. Attending games and watching their development has been an exhilarating experience. The energy they bring to the field is contagious, and their journey from prospects to potential stars is something every fan can appreciate. The thrill of seeing them hit home runs or make spectacular plays is matched by the excitement of knowing they represent the future of the Giants.
Conclusion
Heliot Ramos and Tyler Fitzgerald are two young talents to watch as they continue to build on their breakout seasons. With their unique skill sets and dedication, they have the potential to become stars in Major League Baseball and integral parts of the San Francisco Giants’ legacy.
