Climbing the Ladder: Agustin Ramirez's Steady Rise in the NL ROY Chase

In a Rookie of the Year race headlined by Atlanta's dynamic duo–AJ Smith-Shawver and Drake Daldwin–Agustin Ramirez is quietly (but convincingly) making a case for why he belongs at the very top. Ranked third in MLB.com's latest National League ROY power rankings, the Marlins backstop isn't just keeping pace, he's applying pressure to some of the NL East's best.

Ramirez has been a consistent force in the middle of Miami's lineup, slashing .245/.311/.543 with 6 home runs, 12 RBIs, and a 0.3 WAR in 94 ABs through mid-May. These numbers aren't anything crazy, but they come on a team that is still trying to find offensive identity and consistency, making his production even more valuable. His .854 OPS ranks second among rookies in the league and puts him right in the conversation with Baldwin, who is benefiting from the veteran presence of Sean Murphy.

Ramirez is also tied with A's shortstop Jacob Wilson for the rookie lead in doubles and tied for second in home runs with six. But the numbers don't tell the entire story.

Ramirez has shown advanced plate discipline for a rookie, drawing walks in 10.4% of his plate appearances while striking out just 20.2%–rare for a first-year catcher adjusting to big league pitching.

Smith-Shawver has shown poise on the mound, but he struggled in a May 22 game against the Nationals, lasting only three innings and giving up seven earned runs. Meanwhile, Baldwin has stepped up offensively in Ronald Acuña Jr.'s absence—who returns to Atlanta tonight. Still, Ramirez brings a unique value that sets him apart from both: he's a true dual-threat at catcher, arguably the most demanding position in baseball.

Why Third Place Might Not Be His Final Destination

The key to Ramirez's potential leap up the rankings lies in opportunity. Unlike Baldwin, who shares time behind the plate with Murphy, Ramirez is becoming an everyday guy in Miami (whether playing DH or C). Being able to use his greatest strength, "hard and loud contact," has given him more reps, more at-bats, and more chances to showcase his potential.

As Luisangel Acuna flashes speed and Dylan Crews works through a slower start, Ramirez's consistency is starting to stand out. He may not grab as many headlines like his fellow rookies just yet, but anyone watching closely can see what's brewing in South Florida: a legitimate ROY campaign that is just getting started.

What makes Ramírez different isn’t just the numbers—it’s how he’s putting the puzzle together. He’s emerging not only as a valuable rookie, but as a core piece of a rebuilding Marlins team trying to redefine itself. That’s a rare role for a first-year player, and he’s embracing it with maturity beyond his years.

While others may surge with highlight-reel moments or benefit from bigger-market exposure, Ramírez is building something more durable: a foundation of consistency, trust, and respect in the clubhouse. And when the dust settles on this rookie class, voters may find themselves gravitating toward the guy who didn’t just have a hot start—but who showed up every day and quietly turned potential into presence.

Don’t be surprised if that No. 3 ranking doesn’t last long. Ramírez is coming—and he’s doing it his way.