Cleveland's Pride: José Ramírez Crowned MLB's Top Third Baseman by MLB Network
The baseball world is abuzz with the news that José Ramírez, the star third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has been ranked as the number one player at his position by MLB Network. This recognition comes 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 is this ranking truly a surprise? Many have long considered Ramírez to be one of the most underrated players in the league, but his recent performance and accolades are making that label harder to justify. In the 2025 season, he hit an impressive .283 with 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 RBIs, marking the second consecutive season he achieved the 30-30 club with 30 homers and 44 stolen bases.
Former third baseman and MLB Network analyst Mike Lowell had high praise for Ramírez, stating, 'He's a complete player with no weaknesses at third base. His base running, defense, and hitting against both left and right-handed pitching are all exceptional.' Lowell also noted that Ramírez's physical build might not fit the typical third baseman prototype, but his performance speaks for itself.
The MLB Network rankings are based on offensive and defensive metrics over multiple seasons, and Ramírez's consistency and excellence have placed him at the top. He was ranked ahead of notable players like Max Muncy (Dodgers), Alex Bregman (Cubs), and Manny Machado (Padres).
Ramírez's resume is already Hall of Fame-worthy, with seven All-Star appearances, six Silver Slugger awards, and seven top-six finishes in AL MVP voting, including second and third-place finishes. He was also recently ranked fifth among MLB's top 100 players for the upcoming 2026 season, making him the highest-ranked player from Latin America.
And here's where it gets interesting: The Guardians' success in recent years, including their 2025 AL Central title, has been closely tied to Ramírez's performance. But with his new contract, the team is signaling their belief in his ability to maintain this level of play for years to come.
So, is José Ramírez finally getting the recognition he deserves? Or is there still more to prove? The debate is sure to spark passionate discussions among baseball fans. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
