Astros Draft: Another Correa type rise up the draft boards in Heliot Ramos
Could the Astros surprise us by reaching for Heliot Ramos in the first round?
While comparing any player not name Fransisco Lindor to Carlos Correa is not fair, we could have another surprise pick from Puerto Rico. According to Jim Callis of MLB.com, he’s heard that Heliot Ramos is rocketing up draft boards. Callis says that Ramos, ” has a good chance to go somewhere in the middle of the first round, with potential candidates including the Astros (No. 15).”
While I am just looking into the potential draft options for the Astros, this is the first time I’ve seen Ramos. Go back to 2012, most of the people in baseball thought that Byron Buxton was better than Correa. Fast forward to 2017, it looks like the Astros chose wisely. Another Puerto Rican high school student could be scooped up by the Astros with the 15th pick on Monday.
Ramos is described as having great power potential with solid speed. Does that sound like an Astros outfielder we have now? Sounds like another George Springer. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 40th overall draft prospect, but Callis mentions he is on the rise. Wherever he is drafted, he will most likely be the first Puerto Rican drafted.
Looking at the mock drafts.
The Astros have a few scouts out there including Joey Sola. They were able to recognize Correa’s talent and now the Astros are winning. Keith Law’s mock draft has him going 13th overall to the Marlins though. Law says that he is a contact hitter who should hit for power and will be a good centerfielder.
Ramos is only 17 and is 6’1” tall. This could be one of those players that Luhnow and Mike Elias can sign for below slot value. However, he could be someone they target with one of the second round picks. Perfect Game has him as going to the Cubs with the 30th overall pick. They focused on praising his athleticism.
Next: Top five risky trade ideas.
Baseball America has Ramos being drafted 21st by the Orioles. Would Luhnow and Elias be reaching to get Ramos? Did they reach to get Correa? This could be an interesting development to look out for. His scouting grades across the board don’t stand out, but I’ll trust the Stros scouts.
***Information and rankings provided by MLB Pipeline***