A.J. Ramos came to Miami as a 21st-round pick, initially overlooked as a late-round choice from Texas Tech. Despite the odds, he became one of the most dependable pitchers in Marlins’ bullpen history. Known for his strikeout ability and deceptive delivery, he served as a flexible reliever bridging the middle innings and the ninth, eventually assuming the full-time closer role.
Ramos made his debut for the Marlins in 2012, finishing with an impressive 7-0 record and a 2.11 ERA across 68 games. By 2015, after filling in for the ninth inning, he was promoted to closer, achieving 32 saves and demonstrating that his high-strikeout ability was a key strength for the end of the bullpen.
In 2016, he successfully converted his first 24 save opportunities, a franchise record, and earned his first All-Star selection. He finished the campaign with a career-high 40 saves, posting a 1.67 home ERA and establishing himself as one of the premier late-inning threats in the National League.
Following the franchise’s familiar pattern of retooling before a contract reached its peak value, the organization traded him to the New York Mets in exchange for Merandy Gonzalez and Ricardo Cespedes. Ramos would finish 175 Games for Miami with 92 Saves.
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