Here’s a hard pill to swallow for Pirates fans: one of the most underrated relievers in their farm system just slipped through their fingers—and the Giants swooped in to sign him. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a missed opportunity for Pittsburgh, or a calculated risk that could come back to haunt them? Let’s dive in.
The Pirates’ 2025 farm system was nothing short of electrifying. Konnor Griffin emerged as a future star, Esmerlyn Valdez solidified his status as a top slugging prospect, and Hunter Barco took his game to new heights. Amid all the hype, it was easy to overlook lesser-known talents like Wilkin Ramos, an unranked right-hander who quietly put together a stellar season—only to recently sign a minor league deal with the Giants. And this is the part most people miss: Ramos wasn’t just a fringe player; he was a legitimate sleeper with the potential to make an impact.
In Altoona last season, Ramos was a force to be reckoned with. He posted a jaw-dropping 1.45 ERA over 49.2 innings, paired with a 9.60 K/9 and a 0.95 WHIP. His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A, where he continued to impress despite a rough patch in Indianapolis. Even so, he finished the year with a combined 2.64 ERA across both levels—a testament to his consistency and resilience.
Here’s the kicker: Ramos’s one-year minor league deal with the Pirates didn’t lead to a 40-man roster spot, allowing him to slip into free agency. While his Triple-A numbers weren’t eye-popping—a 3.76 FIP and a .237 opposing batting average—his ability to limit hard contact was undeniable. Opponents managed just an 85.4 mph average exit velocity and a 27.6% hard-hit rate. But here’s the red flag: His 8.2% whiff rate left much to be desired. Still, with a fastball touching 98 mph, Ramos had the tools to evolve, and the Pirates’ development system could have been the perfect place for him to refine his game.
So, did the Pirates drop the ball? It’s unclear if they offered Ramos another minor league deal, but losing him as organizational depth feels like a missed opportunity. With a bit more swing-and-miss in his arsenal, he could have become a reliable bullpen arm in Pittsburgh. His 2025 performance checked enough boxes to suggest he’s on the cusp of the big leagues, and now the Giants will reap the benefits if they can unlock his full potential.
While this isn’t the same as losing a top-tier prospect, it’s a sting worth noting. Ramos’s development under the Pirates’ guidance was promising, and seeing him thrive elsewhere could be a tough pill to swallow. If the Giants can address his whiff rate, don’t be surprised to see him make his MLB debut in 2026.
Controversial question for you: Did the Pirates underestimate Wilkin Ramos, or did they make a smart bet on their existing talent? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions.
