Between the natural aging process and a problematic hamate bone surgery that has sapped most of his power, Cleveland Guardians superstar Jose Ramirez has had a difficult 2026 campaign. He is slashing a disappointing .230/.319/.364 with 11 home runs, 33 stolen bases, and a 90 wRC+. He hasn’t been a below-average hitter since 2015, when he posted a 72 wRC+.
Things have been particularly rough in the second half, when he has posted a paltry 57 wRC+. Yes, he turns 34 today, on Thursday, but it’s clear the hand is a bigger issue right now.
That wasn’t the case on Wednesday’s finale against the Chicago White Sox, though. For that game, at least, he looked completely healthy, roping two doubles, driving in a run, and achieving some impressive exit velocities. It’s the best he has looked in weeks, even months.
It’s just one game, of course, but it’s hard not to get excited about what this team could achieve with a healthier and better Jose Ramirez. Manager Stephen Vogt warned everyone after the clash with the White Sox: never count Ramirez out.
“We go when Hosey goes. Never count him out. You gotta wait for Hosey because he’s gonna show up when you need him. We love him. He’s our guy, and he’s carried us, and it’s been a tough year. That’s the truth. But so we all get energy when Hosey gets hits. And when he’s coming through in those big situations, you know we know good things are about to happen,” Vogt said.
“He our guy and he's carried us, and it's been a tough year… that's the truth. But so we all get energy when Hosey gets hits. And when he's coming through in those big situations, you know we know good things are about to happen.”
(Via #Guardians Zoom) Stephen Vogt and Jose… https://t.co/plVXtUScYY pic.twitter.com/0YLM0LjcTS
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) September 16, 2026
In recent weeks, some fans and analysts have urged the Guardians to drop Ramirez in the order, or to take him out of the lineup altogether. It’s hard to criticize them: the star third baseman just hasn’t looked the part this year, and at some point, decisions need to be made.
However, Vogt is known for having almost blind faith in his players, especially in those who have helped him get to where he is at the moment. He had to stomach almost three months of bad performances from Steven Kwan; he endured Cade Smith’s early-season slump; he stuck with Travis Bazzana through his summer struggles; and he certainly won’t quit on Ramirez right now when he has carried the Guardians for more than a decade.
Yes, J-Ram has been bad, almost unplayable at times. However, if that hand starts to feel better, watch out. He could go on a tear at any minute.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Guardians' Potential Postseason Path
