They’re not yet household names. But as the Pirates kicked off their Minor League awards Tuesday, finding the appropriate people to recognize wasn’t hard considering the progress made at their academy in the Dominican Republic.
Cecilio Beltre, a 25-year Pirates coaching veteran, was a slam dunk for Staff Member of the Year. Meanwhile, right-hander Irwin Ramirez and infielder Johan De Los Santos became obvious choices for Rookie-Level Pitcher and Player of the Year.
“It’s a huge step for us to start our careers by winning these awards,” Ramirez said over Zoom, with Juan Guerra translating. “We’re proud of the work we’ve been putting in. Hopefully we can bring these awards to Pittsburgh soon.”
Here’s more on each, starting with the two players.
'Impact any team he's on'
When Michael Chernow watches De Los Santos play, it’s easy for the Pirates director of coaching and player development to be entertained.
And impressed with De Santos’ maturity, aptitude and feel for the game considering he only turned 18 in July.
“The baseball IQ is evident: where to go with the ball, where he’s supposed to be on the field and how he’s leading his teammates as the youngest player on the field,” Chernow said. “Then you see his ability as an up-the-middle defender, an instinctual baserunner in addition to his speed, his ability to put the bat on the baseball … he does so many things at an innate level that it’s fun to dream on a guy like that and how he’s gonna continue to impact any team he’s on.”
In 52 combined games with the Florida Complex League Pirates (31) and the Low-A Bradenton Marauders (21) this past season, De Los Santos hit .270 with 39 stolen bases. He also had more walks (27) than strikeouts (24).
In the FCL specifically, De Los Santos hit .310 and ranked second in runs scored (39) and steals (26) through June 30.
Signed as a non-drafted free agent on Jan. 15, 2025, De Los Santos (5-10, 165) has 73 steals in 96 Minor League games and has jumped to No. 11 on Pittsburgh’s top-30 list, per MLB Pipeline.
“This offseason, I’m already working on my agility and speed to steal as many bases as possible next year,” De Los Santos said.
Chernow called De Los Santos “relentless” on the bases. But it's more than pure speed. He's developed a lot as a baserunner and "how he's processing the game between the ears."
The ascent has actually pushed Johan past his older brother, Yordany, who’s the Pirates’ No. 14 prospect. Yordany had a .814 OPS at High-A in his age 21 season, homering 17 times and driving in 63 runs.
"It’s something words cannot describe," said Johan, who has a .304 average and 813 OPS as a pro. "I learn a lot from him every day.”
'The work he's put in'
Projecting pitchers this young can be problematic. But Ramirez possesses some tantalizing traits. Chernow said he throws around 100 mph and missed bats at better than a 50% clip with his changeup and slider.
The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Ramirez has also improved quite a bit over the past year, going 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA, 23 strikeouts and a .157 batting average against in eight starts with the FCL Pirates from May 2-June 20.
After a promotion to Bradenton on June 26, Ramirez had a 6.75 ERA at the next level … but then gave up just one run in three of his final four outings.
Ramirez, 19, said he shifted his focus back to what he was doing at the start of the season. Chernow added it’s natural for young pitchers who throw hard, who often don’t enjoy the most refined coaching growing up in the DR, to take more time putting everything together.
Ramirez, who signed as a non-drafted free agent in January 2024, made important strides with that stuff this season, hence the postseason award.
“When you start thinking about where he’s come from, the work he’s put in, the attitude he’s starting to demonstrate in terms of understanding what we’re asking him to do, he’s somebody we’re really excited about,” Chernow said. “He separated himself from the pack for this award.”
'Proud he's a Pirate'
This marked Beltre's 25th season with the Pirates, the last nine as a senior advisor/mentor in the Dominican Summer League. Beltre earned the Chuck Tanner Award in Spring Training of 2015, which is given to the Minor League staffer who best exemplifies Tanner’s optimism, work ethic and leadership.
Chernow said he remembered back to when he interned with the Pirates in the Dominican Republic in 2017 and observing the passion Beltre had for not only baseball but also teaching, leadership and demanding accountability out of young players.
Apparently there were rave reviews about Beltre’s work and how much he has meant to the organization.
“The benefit our entire DR pipeline has received from him and the support the thought of [this award] got, it became very clear he’s somebody worthy of recognition,” Chernow said. “We’re unbelievably proud he’s a Pirate. He’s been huge influence for our young players and staff in the Dominican.”
End-of-season awards are voted on by the Pirates baseball operations staff. Three more will be announced Wednesday, and those are named after Pirates greats: Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year, Kent Tekulve Reliever of the Year and Bill Mazeroski Defender of the Year.
The Honus Wagner Player of the Year and Bob Friend Pitcher of the Year will be announced on Thursday.
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@Pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.