In 2018, when the New York Yankees traded outfielder Dustin Fowler, infielder Jorge Mateo, and pitcher James Kaprielian to the Oakland Athletics for starter Sonny Gray, Fowler was the centerpiece expected to solidify the A’s outfield. However, it was Ramón Laureano, then a lesser-known prospect, who quickly seized his opportunity. After being called up from Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate in Nashville on August 2, 2018, Laureano immediately made an impact that foreshadowed his future success, marking the beginning of his rise as an influential <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB player and a pivotal figure in the Padres’ recent championship push.
Just one day after his call-up, Laureano recorded a walk-off single in the 13th inning against the Detroit Tigers. Shortly afterward, he made a spectacular defensive play in Anaheim. Playing center field, Laureano chased down a near-double by Justin Upton and delivered an incredible 321-foot throw to double off Eric Young Jr. at first base, a throw many consider one of the best in recent memory. After these moments, Laureano cemented his place in the majors and never returned to the minors.
Oakland’s manager Bob Melvin praised his determination, saying,
“It’s not easy for a young player to come up and be as aggressive as he is,”
and added,
“There’s a lot of desire in his game. And I think the thing that stands out for me the most is he doesn’t expect anything to be given to him. He’s going to take from his opportunities and he’s done exactly that.”
Challenges, Setbacks, and the Road to Redemption
Over the past seven years, Laureano has faced a challenging journey marked by injuries and a PED suspension in 2021, but his resilience and determination have been defining qualities. Now 31, Laureano’s career is characterized by his ability to overcome adversity. His recent trade deadline pickup by the San Diego Padres has revitalized his career, and he is playing an essential role in the team’s surge to the top of the National League West.
In his first 12 games with the Padres, Laureano has hit an impressive .333 with a .400 on-base percentage and a .600 slugging percentage, including two home runs. This resurgence has helped put the Padres in the national spotlight, a team stacked with superstars but previously chasing their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Laureano credits much of his growth and success to his travel ball coach, Lou Maietta, whom he lived with for two years on Long Island while attending high school.
“He’s literally the reason I’m here. Literally,”
Laureano said.
“If it wasn’t for him picking up the phone to call college coaches and driving me everywhere, taking me to tryouts, or showcases, taking me to school, I wouldn’t be here.”
Laureano’s Role in the Padres’ Championship Aspirations
After trailing the Dodgers by nine games on July 4, the Padres have turned the division race around and now lead by one game as they prepare to face the Dodgers in a critical three-game series at Dodger Stadium. Laureano sees a tight-knit and focused group on the Padres roster.
“To be honest, it feels like everybody’s on the same page, and that’s all it takes,”
he said.
“I think this is the first team I’ve been on where everybody is on the same page and, and I’m very excited about it.”
Laureano describes the Padres‘ clubhouse atmosphere as relaxed but determined.
“They’re so low key that it feels like we’re playing baseball as if we’re still 12 years old,”
he remarked.
“Playing hard baseball, playing grindy baseball, and helping each other out. We’re talking all the time. And I think that’s what it takes to be a championship team.”
His tone reflects a calm yet serious approach, emphasizing teamwork as critical for their continued success.
Technical Adjustments and Renewed Confidence at the Plate
Over the past five years, Laureano struggled with a sports hernia that forced him into “survival mode.” To compensate, he altered his batting stance by opening it up to improve quickness on inside pitches but struggled with timing and plate discipline.
“Whenever your hips open too early, you just get disconnected right away,”
Laureano said.
“The hips should be one of the last things that go. But I just felt slow.”
Recently, he has returned to a more closed batting stance, resembling the approach he used successfully in 2018 and 2019, while also standing farther from the plate. These changes have helped him regain his form and consistency, fueling his recent success and energizing the Padres as they head toward the postseason.
Despite the high stakes and intense attention, Laureano downplays the drama around division rivalries.
“I don’t think nothing of division rivalries, none of that nonsense, really, because it’s all nonsense at the end of the day,”
he said firmly.
“It’s just you and the baseball at the end of the day. Just do your job.”
This mindset highlights his disciplined, focused approach as a key factor in his recent revival.
Additional MLB Developments Reflecting the Season’s Intensity
- The Cleveland Guardians are pushing to secure a playoff spot, currently sitting only half a game behind the New York Yankees for the third American League wild card. Their recent 9-3 run in the last 12 games shows their determination in a highly competitive race.
- Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers openly declared this season “over” for himself in terms of personal success, reflecting his struggles with a .244 batting average and below-par OPS.
- The Chicago Cubs’ All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong has encountered a difficult stretch, hitting .205 in his last 22 games and likely falling out of contention for the National League MVP as of this weekend.
Ramón Laureano’s journey from a late-round draft pick to a critical trade deadline acquisition demonstrates how perseverance and adaptability can transform a player’s career. As the Padres eye a championship, Laureano’s steady contributions and experienced mindset make him a vital piece in their bid to claim the National League West and make a deep postseason run.