The World Baseball Classic is showcasing emerging talent from established baseball families, allowing younger players to make a name for themselves on a global stage. One player drawing attention is Lucas Ramirez, son of former MLB star Manny Ramirez, who recently hit a home run off two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom during an exhibition game ahead of the tournament.
Unlike his father, who represented the Dominican Republic, Lucas is playing for Team Brazil, reflecting his diverse background. This notable home run against deGrom is an exciting preview as Team Brazil prepares to face Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic matchup.
Background on Lucas Ramirez and His Family
Manny Ramirez has three sons: Manny Ramirez Jr., Manuelito Ramirez, and Lucas Ramirez. Lucas is the youngest, a 20-year-old outfielder who was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 MLB draft. Although he initially committed to playing college baseball at Tennessee, he opted to sign with the Angels and pursue a professional career directly.
While Manny Ramirez hails from the Dominican Republic, Lucas qualifies to play for Brazil through his mother, who is from São Paulo. This unique heritage makes Lucas eligible to represent the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the United States. He previously contributed to Brazil’s qualification for the 2025 World Baseball Classic.
DYK: Team Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez is the son of Manny Ramirez 👀Lucas was drafted by the Angels in 2024 and reached their High-A affiliate in 2025 🫡 pic.twitter.com/oH5juKdfLI— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 20, 2026
Impressive Home Run Against Jacob deGrom
In a recent exhibition game against the Texas Rangers, Lucas Ramirez made a strong impression by hitting a home run off Jacob deGrom, known for his dominant pitching and two Cy Young Awards. Ramirez’s homer came in the first inning, standing out as the only notable flaw in deGrom’s otherwise solid spring outing.
Lucas Ramirez — the 20-year-old son of Manny Ramirez, wearing No. 24 for Team Brazil — hit a home run off of Jacob deGrom in the first inning.The only real blemish on what was otherwise a solid first spring start for deGrom. pic.twitter.com/IkksyzUhYk— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) March 4, 2026
Lucas Ramirez’s Professional Baseball Journey
After being drafted in the 17th round by the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, Lucas chose a professional path over college baseball opportunities. He spent the 2025 season developing within the Angels’ minor league system, quickly advancing to the High-A affiliate. His progress suggests that he is adapting well to professional baseball and gaining valuable experience ahead of the World Baseball Classic.
Early Life and Local Roots
Lucas Ramirez was born in Weston, Florida during Manny Ramirez’s tenure with the Boston Red Sox. He grew up in Florida and attended American Heritage High School in Plantation, located near Miami and not far from his birthplace. This Floridian upbringing provided a foundation for his baseball career, combining family legacy with hometown support.
Playing Position and Style on the Field
Much like his father, Lucas plays in the outfield. Throughout the 2025 season, he demonstrated versatility by covering all three outfield positions: left, center, and right field. However, when representing Team Brazil, he primarily takes the right-field position, showcasing his skills while contributing to the team’s defensive setup.
Significance and Future Expectations
Lucas Ramirez’s home run off Jacob deGrom highlights the potential impact this younger generation of baseball talent can have in international competition. As the World Baseball Classic progresses, performances like Ramirez’s could help Team Brazil challenge more established teams, including their upcoming game against Team USA. His background, combining Dominican and Brazilian heritage with American upbringing, positions him as a unique figure in this global tournament, symbolizing the evolving nature of baseball families and their international influence.
Following his early success in this tune-up, many will watch closely to see how Lucas Ramirez and Team Brazil fare during the World Baseball Classic, possibly altering perceptions about baseball’s reach and emerging powerhouses around the world.
DYK: Team Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez is the son of Manny Ramirez 👀
Lucas was drafted by the Angels in 2024 and reached their High-A affiliate in 2025 🫡 pic.twitter.com/oH5juKdfLI
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 20, 2026
Lucas Ramirez, son of Manny Ramirez, drives in a run for Team Brazil 😤#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/T1epfYmjh6
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 3, 2025
Lucas Ramirez — the 20-year-old son of Manny Ramirez, wearing No. 24 for Team Brazil — hit a home run off of Jacob deGrom in the first inning.
The only real blemish on what was otherwise a solid first spring start for deGrom. pic.twitter.com/IkksyzUhYk
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) March 4, 2026
