In Pedro Ramírez, hard-working and focused, the Cubs see potential and poise

WASHINGTON — When the Cubs were on the lookout for pitching at the trade deadline, one of their more sought-after young players was Pedro Ramírez, whom Chicago valued highly and was reluctant to move. Ultimately, there wasn’t a deal that made sense. Ramírez was just too important to Chicago’s present plans and future ambitions.

“I’m really thankful to still be part of this team,” he said through an interpreter Tuesday. “I didn’t think much about (the trade deadline) because I don’t have any say in that situation. I was just focusing on my game and being able to do the job that’s expected of me out there.”

What’s expected of Ramírez has grown exponentially over the last year. Entering last season, he wasn’t even viewed as one of Chicago’s top-10 prospects. But the Cubs were higher on Ramírez than most. When he was brought up in smaller deals last summer, minor-league coaches and staff recommended against including him, believing there was more in the tank for the hard-working infielder.

That work ethic is what initially got Ramírez noticed.

“I feel like I’ve always tried to be focused,” Ramírez said. “Ever since I signed, that’s what I thought to myself: that I wanted to be a disciplined player. It’s how I’ve always been, focused and doing things the right way.”

By spring training, the big-league coaches and players were seeing what others were talking about. Manager Craig Counsell, not one to easily dish out praise, made sure to commend Ramírez for the way he carried himself. Veterans noticed it as well.

“I feel really happy that they have that idea, that they think those things about me,” Ramírez said. “I’ve always thought to myself, wherever I go, I’ll always try to show that. It instills a lot of confidence in me that they think about me that way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

Expectations around Pedro Ramírez have grown over the last year. (David Banks / Associated Press)

Those who had watched Ramírez develop — from a 17-year-old in the Dominican Summer League to the defensive whiz who performed all season long at Double A in 2025 — felt a breakout was coming. No, he wasn’t just the singles-hitting, defensive replacement who would max out as a bench player. They saw something more.

Then came his performance in Triple A this year, when he delivered a career-high nine home runs in just 43 games while posting a 135 wRC+. That earned him a call-up in late May when Matt Shaw went on the shelf with back tightness. At the time, Ramírez was looked at as just a temporary fill-in.

But he continued to show maturity beyond his years. His at-bats were calm and his defense remained stellar. This did not look like your typical 22-year-old getting his first taste of the big leagues.

“I’m focused on my game,” Ramírez said. “I’ve been preparing for this my whole life, for so many years, for when I would get that moment. That’s allowed me to be calm and do things right.”

The Cubs have been so impressed with Ramírez that they’re already starting to wonder how he fits into their future. With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki heading into free agency this winter, the Cubs are getting comfortable with the idea of giving Ramírez an everyday role in a corner outfield spot.

“I don’t know what the plans are for that position,” Ramírez said. “What I do know is I feel like I can take on whatever role is needed. Whatever it is they need, I can help and I’ll do my absolute best.”

Including the minors, Ramírez has played 45 innings in left field, just one in the big leagues. But that’s the level of faith the Cubs have in his ability to adapt quickly.

Since Ramírez arrived in the big leagues, he has never once seemed overwhelmed. The Cubs have taken notice. Counsell gives Ramírez starts multiple times per week. He’s not just a rookie getting a taste of the big leagues. He’s become an important part of a team that has grand aspirations.

“I don’t really think about myself as the piece that I’ve become or anything like that,” Ramírez said. “I’m more so focused on doing things right. Every opportunity that’s given to me, I have to do it right. It’s exciting to be a part of a team like this, I’m really happy to be a part of this team.”