Marlins’ Augustin Ramirez Could Boost Skills with Pudge Rodriguez

The Miami Marlins’ catcher, Augustin Ramirez, has demonstrated significant improvement during the 2025 MLB season. His performance includes a batting average of .231 with a slugging percentage of .700, highlighted by 21 home runs and 66 RBIs across 136 games. To elevate his game further, Ramirez could benefit from mentorship, particularly from Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, a legendary figure in the catching position.

Ramirez, at just 24 years old and hailing from the Dominican Republic, has shown flashes of potential but needs to refine certain aspects of his game. Specifically, he must work on reducing his strikeouts, aiming to keep them under 100 for the season. Engaging with experienced players could provide invaluable insights and techniques that would help him navigate the challenges of a full-time catcher role.

Learning from a Legend

Rodriguez, who played for 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), had a memorable stint with the Marlins in 2003. That year, he was instrumental in the team’s postseason success, earning the NLCS MVP title after batting .313 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 17 playoff games. His defensive prowess also shone through, particularly during the World Series against the New York Yankees, where he made critical plays that helped secure the championship for Miami.

With 13 Gold Glove Awards and 7 Silver Slugger Awards to his name, Rodriguez exemplifies the qualities needed to excel behind the plate. His continued connection with the Marlins, including participation in the franchise’s 20th-anniversary celebrations of their 2003 championship, underscores his enduring legacy and passion for the team.

For Ramirez, training with Rodriguez would not only enhance his defensive skills but also improve his hitting capabilities. Rodriguez maintained a remarkable career average, never striking out more than 93 times in a season, with a total of 10 seasons featuring a batting average of .300 or higher. His expertise in plate discipline and situational awareness could help Ramirez develop the mental toughness required to thrive as a catcher.

Building Future Success

The potential partnership between Ramirez and Rodriguez could create a powerful dynamic that benefits both players. Rodriguez’s ability to read runners and position himself for accurate throws is legendary, demonstrated by his ability to throw out fast base runners like Rickey Henderson. For Ramirez, learning these fundamentals could significantly impact his fielding efficiency and overall game strategy.

The Marlins organization would do well to facilitate this connection, as the knowledge and experience Rodriguez possesses could pave the way for Ramirez to become a formidable presence in the league. As he continues to develop, the hope is that he will evolve into a catcher that opposing teams respect and fear.

The prospect of pairing these two players is enticing, and the potential for Ramirez to reach new heights under Rodriguez’s mentorship could be a game-changer for the Marlins’ future success.