Cleveland's pride: José Ramírez, the Guardians' star, soars to the top!
The baseball world is abuzz with the news that José Ramírez, the powerhouse third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has been crowned MLB Network's top-ranked third baseman. This recognition comes hot on the heels of Ramírez's massive seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the Guardians, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the franchise.
But here's the real kicker: Ramírez has long been considered one of the most underrated players in the league. So, is this ranking a long-overdue acknowledgment of his talent, or is it a controversial overreaction? Let's dive in.
MLB Network's rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of offensive and defensive metrics over multiple seasons, and Ramírez's numbers are truly impressive. In 2025, he helped the Guardians secure their third AL Central title in four years, boasting a .283 batting average with 34 doubles, 30 homers, and 85 RBIs. He achieved the rare feat of a 30-30 season, combining home runs and stolen bases, for the second consecutive year.
Mike Lowell, MLB Network analyst and former third baseman, had this to say about Ramírez: 'He's a complete player at the hot corner. His base running is elite, his defense is stellar, and he dominates both left-handed and right-handed pitching. There's no aspect of the game he doesn't excel at.' Lowell also noted that Ramírez's physical build might not fit the typical third baseman mold, but his performance speaks for itself.
The ranking places Ramírez ahead of notable players like Max Muncy of the Dodgers and Alex Bregman of the Cubs. Lowell even suggested that the gap between Ramírez and the number two spot is unprecedented in the history of these rankings.
Ramírez's accolades are already impressive, including seven All-Star appearances and six Silver Slugger awards. He has consistently placed in the top six of AL MVP voting, with one second-place and three third-place finishes. MLB Network recently ranked him fifth among the top 100 baseball players heading into the 2026 season, making him the highest-ranked player from Latin America.
So, is José Ramírez finally getting the recognition he deserves, or is this a case of over-excitement? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the conversation going!
