Jim Callis wrapped up his prospect coverage for the year with list of ten prospects who are poised to surge in 2016. He included two Pittsburgh Pirates on that list, third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and outfielder Harold Ramirez.
Callis mentions that injuries have held Ramirez back, so if he’s able to remain healthy, this could be a big year for him. As we have mentioned as well, Ramirez could add a little more power to his game and that may begin to show up this upcoming season. He won’t be a power hitter, but 10-15 per year is within reach. He will be 21 years old next season and in a better league for hitters, as the Florida State League is not known for home runs. Ramirez played in a career-high 80 games this past season, plus he got in another 115 at-bats in winter ball. If he can get in 120 games with Altoona in 2016, we could see him become one of the top 25-50 prospects in the game.
Hayes could have a tough time becoming a top prospect in 2016 because he is likely to open up the year in West Virginia, where he will be one of the youngest players in full-season ball. In that scenario, you just hope players can hold their own in the league, while getting used to playing everyday and living on the road and riding on buses half the season. Hayes did get in 17 games with Morgantown(including playoffs) so that was a nice primer for the 2016 season, but as long as we see aggressive promotions with him, you probably won’t see big stats as well. If he does have a big 2016 season, then that would push him to top 100 prospect status.
