The Guardians' José Ramírez: A Third Baseman Like No Other
The MLB Network has ranked José Ramírez as the No. 1 third baseman, and it's no surprise. With a seven-year, $175 million extension under his belt, Ramírez is proving his worth. The Guardians' star player has no weaknesses at third base, excelling in defense, base running, and hitting. His ability to obliterate left-handed pitching and still perform well against right-handed pitching from the left side is remarkable.
Mike Lowell, an MLB Network analyst and former third baseman, praises Ramírez's all-around skills. He notes that Ramírez's physical attributes don't fit the typical third baseman prototype, but his performance speaks for itself. The numbers don't lie, and they show a Hall of Fame-worthy career in the making.
In 2025, Ramírez helped the Guardians secure their third AL Central title in four years. His statistics are impressive: a .283 batting average, 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 RBI. This season, he achieved a 30-30 club with 30 home runs and 44 steals in 51 attempts, a feat he accomplished for the second straight season. Ramírez's consistency and versatility make him a force to be reckoned with.
The MLB Network's ranking is based on offensive and defensive metrics over multiple seasons, utilizing both traditional and Statcast statistics. Ramírez's recent ranking of fifth among baseball's top 100 players for the 2026 season further cements his status as a top talent. As the top-ranked player from Latin America, he finished behind only Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh.
With his impressive skills and accolades, José Ramírez is undoubtedly one of the best third basemen in the MLB. His performance on the field and his potential Hall of Fame career make him a player to watch and a true standout in the sport.
