Struggling with league-high errors and a dismal caught-stealing rate, Agustin Ramirez faces a risky defensive experiment. The Miami Marlins should pivot to a full-time designated hitter spot instead.
Despite past defensive lapses, the Miami Marlins plan to keep Agustin Ramirez at catcher and learn first base, according to president of baseball operations Peter Bendix.
After Liam Hicks was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of Monday’s 6:00 p.m. deadline, the 27-year-old was recalled to the active roster. Ramirez spent four months playing Triple-A at Jacksonville. He was behind the plate in 49 of 59 games.
Unfortunately, Ramirez hasn’t improved as a receiver. He has a 15 caught-stealing percentage (13 caught and 72 stolen bases) and nine passed balls with the Jumbo Shrimp.
The organization plans to develop Ramirez to fill the Hicks void, who was able to catch, play first base, and serve as a designated hitter. Given the Dominican Republic native’s recent defensive struggles, the task might be too great. Ramirez led the majors in errors (10) and passed balls (19) as a rookie in the 2025 season. He had an 8.8 caught-stealing percentage (eight caught and 83 stolen bases).
Moving Ramirez to first base could be catastrophic. He played just 27 games in the right-field corner while in the New York Yankees’ minor system. The Marlins currently have the fourth-worst fielding percentage (.982) in the league. Kyle Stowers has played the most games at first base among the active roster. Replacing him with Ramirez, even for short stints, presents a great risk of errors happening, giving opponents an advantage.
After the recall, the second-year major leaguer has pinch-hit in the two games against the Atlanta Braves. Ramirez went hitless in three at-bats, including two strikeouts. The offense will take some time to adjust back to the major league level, but defense isn’t the right calling for him.
If Marlins manager Clayton McCullough were to start him, the best option is as a full-time designated hitter.
Ramirez has proven to have power behind a righty swing. In 2025, he batted .231 with a .701 OPS, including 124 hits in 537 at-bats, 33 doubles, a triple, 67 runs batted in, and 21 home runs in 136 games (63 at designated hitter).
The Marlins primarily rely on Stowers and Javier Sanoja – both untraditional infielders – to play in both corners. Ramirez would likely be too out of place for first base. The Marlins believe in him being a future piece of the franchise. However, it shouldn’t be at the capacity Bendix is presenting.
Ramirez found a second chance in the majors. He will take on the challenge of catching and fielding, but it shouldn’t be the path to playing time.
