Noe Ramirez

Ramirez turned in the best season of his career in 2019. He got off to a rough start, allowing seven homers in his first 16 appearances, but eventually got his mechanics ironed out through self-correction in the film room and with the help of pitching coach Don White. The right-hander worked to a 3.45 ERA and 52:9 K:BB with two homers allowed in his final 35 appearances. His pitch mix was different from previous seasons; Ramirez cut down on the usage of his 90-mph four-seam fastball in favor of more sliders and changeups. Those two offerings played up with Ramirez working ahead in the count more often (his first-pitch strike rate was up 10 percentage points from 2018). His 21.2 K-BB% ranked 33rd among qualified relievers and Ramirez earned more trust as the season progressed, even getting chances as an opener. Ramirez deserves to take the ball in important spots, though this is not a closer profile.

Ramirez has had strong minor league strikeout rates despite a fastball that last season failed to average 90 mph, but a high walk rate has typically been his undoing. He was released by the Red Sox as a result and will try to win a role in the Angels bullpen.

Ramirez spent some time with Boston for the second straight season in 2016. He broke camp after a couple of spring training injuries created the need for another arm out of the pen, but he mostly rode the Pawtucket-to-Boston shuttle throughout the year. Other than a high strikeout rate (10.38 per nine), fueled largely by his changeup, the right-hander was nothing special. In 17 games, Ramirez allowed nine runs on 16 hits with uninspiring command in 13 innings. He's had respectable numbers in the minors, although bouts with wildness at the upper levels hinted his success wouldn't translate in MLB. The Red Sox have some moving parts in the offseason as they prepare to build a bullpen for 2017. Carson Smith (elbow) is not expected back until June, and Brad Ziegler, Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara departed via free agency, so there's an opportunity for Ramirez to earn a low-leverage spot out of camp.

Ramirez made his major-league debut in 2015, getting called up twice to Boston. A stint in July didn't go so well, but he was much better in September and put himself on the radar for a spot in the 2016 bullpen. For Triple-A Pawtucket, Ramirez allowed 33 hits and 18 walks while striking out 38 in 42.2 innings. The right-hander, who began his career in the organization as a starter, brings a three-pitch mix to the bullpen. The mechanics are repeatable and control is usually good, though Ramirez's walk rate climbed at the advanced levels. He usually commands his low-90s fastball, but it's nothing special. It's the changeup where Ramirez earned his money and is able to post respectable K/9 numbers. He'll occasionally throw a slider, which needs refinement and is thrown mostly to keep hitters honest. After the Red Sox address relievers through the free-agent market, Ramirez will have a shot to make the roster.

Ramirez was converted from starter to reliever in 2013, a move that put him on a faster development track to the big leagues. His low-90s fastball, slider and changeup worked for him out of the bullpen. After the switch, Ramirez posted an 8.9 K/9. He'll likely start the season at Double-A Portland with a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket as his goal.

Ramirez had some success at Low-A Greenville in 2012 mostly due to his changeup, which he's seamlessly able to match to the delivery of his fastball. It has good drop/movement and is the reason he struck out nearly a batter per inning. His fastball is a very hittable 89-91 mph offering that he needs to keep down in the zone. Ramirez displayed good command and control of his pitches in 2012. He can probably survive in the lower levels with his present stuff, but to advance as a starter in the upper minors, Ramirez will need to develop his slider and continue to command his arsenal. Ramirez is expected to open the 2013 season at High-A Salem in the Carolina League.

Ramirez is a 2011 fourth-round draft pick out of Cal State Fullerton, where he was the Titans' staff ace, going 8-4 with a 1.69 ERA and 103 strikeouts to 20 walks in 90 2/3 innings. His out pitch is the changeup, which he can use at any point and makes his fastball (89-92 mph) better. Ramirez should stay behind in Florida when training camp breaks and will likely see a placement at Short-Season Lowell in June.