This forgotten player could be the Heliot Ramos of 2025 for SF Giants

The SF Giants got a very welcome surprise in 2024 with the emergence of Heliot Ramos. Many had written Ramos off but he surprised everyone with his great year. David Villar could provide a similar surprise for the Giants in 2025.

Going into 2024, Heliot Ramos was an afterthought. He struggled in limited appearances in both 2022 and 2023. He did not even make the Opening Day roster in 2024 yet when he was called up in May he got really hot with the bat and hit his way right to the All-Star Game.

His performance came seemingly out of nowhere. Is it possible for the Giants to get another big surprise in 2025? If they do, Villar would be a great candidate.

David Villar could be a breakout star for SF Giants in 2025

When Villar was sent down to the minors in August, it was fair to wonder what his future on the team would be. In 2024 with the Giants, he had 9 hits in 35 at-bats including 1 home run and 4 RBI. Those aren't terrible numbers in a small sample size, but they aren't exceptional either.

His numbers in Triple-A were respectable as well. He slashed .260/.361/.441 with 16 home runs and 77 RBI in 408 at-bats. Again, not terrible but not good enough to force his way onto the big league club.

It is worth remembering that the Giants were willing to give Villar the starting third base job in 2023. His strong showing with the Giants at the end of 2022 made it seem like he could be the third baseman of the future for the team, but his numbers in 2023 were dismal as he had a batting average of .145 in 124 at-bats.

It was these struggles that made it clear that the Giants needed to go out and get a real third baseman which is exactly what they did by signing Matt Chapman. That closes off third base as a future spot for Villar with the Giants.

The one position that could be open for Villar is second base. As of right now, second base is up for grabs. With Thairo Estrada certain to depart after a rough 2024, there figures to be an open competition for the position next year. Depending on how things shake out in the offseason, that competition could include Casey Schmitt, Brett Wisely, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Villar.

While Fitzgerald seems like the favorite after his solid 2024, he cooled off at the plate significantly after his torrid stretch earlier in the year which could open the door for someone like Villar to emerge.

It would be easy to write Villar off, but Ramos showed us in 2024 that we should not rush to judgment on a player. Villar has a chance to prove that yet again next season.