Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez passes away

The Rays announced that bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez has passed away at age 28.  We at MLB Trade Rumors send our condolences to Ramirez’s family and loved ones.

A 28th-round pick out of Illinois State in the 2016 draft, Ramirez played three seasons in Tampa Bay’s farm system before being released following the 2018 season.  Soon afterwards, however, the club rehired Ramirez for a new role as the bullpen catcher on the big league club, opening a door towards the coaching career Ramirez looked to establish in his future, as he told The Athletic’s Josh Tolentino in April 2019.

Ramirez quickly established himself as a key member of the Rays’ staff.  In a statement today, Rays manager Kevin Cash described Ramirez as “an incredible teammate and friend,” and “Jean will be deeply missed” throughout the organization.

“He brought so much passion and energy each day to our clubhouse and bullpen, and his love for the Rays and baseball was evident to all who interacted with him.  He had the biggest heart and the most infectious smile,” Cash said.