For years, we have heard that the Cleveland Guardians will go as far as Jose Ramirez can take them. And, to some extent at least, it was true.
In 2026, however, the future Hall of Fame candidate struggled to the tune of a 92 wRC+, a .235 batting average, and 12 home runs in 544 plate appearances, his lowest output since 2016. He was affected by a broken hamate bone in his left hand and the natural aging process associated with a 34-year-old player.
As great as he is, Ramirez hasn’t shown that kind of level or consistency in postseason play. According to David Schoenfield of ESPN, it’s something that has to change in order for the Guardians to reach the next level and have a chance at the title.
“It still feels like Jose Ramirez needs to offer big contributions at some point, something he hasn’t done much of in the postseason in his Hall of Fame career. He has hit .234 with just four home runs in 45 career playoff games. If we focus on more recent years, he has hit .246 with two home runs in 19 games since 2022. That’s a run-producing spot in the order and he’ll need to produce some runs,” Schoenfield wrote.
J-Ram, even during his 2026 struggles, has occupied a prime spot in the Guardians’ lineup, either second or third. It’s manager Stephen Vogt’s way to say he has deep respect for what Ramirez has done for the city and the team over the years. At some point, however, the star third baseman will have to perform if Cleveland intends to make a deep postseason run.
His career October wRC+ is a middling 80, and he has hit .234 with just four homers in 190 trips to the plate. Perhaps he has a big postseason in store this year, when people aren’t really expecting much out of him. Remember, much of his 2026 struggles are related to his hand injury, and now that he finally has had a few days to rest and get some treatment, watch out: the talent is still there.
We are talking about a player who posted a 133 wRC+ with 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases just a year ago. He hasn’t forgotten how to play, and that only makes him more dangerous.
Even when he’s not producing his usual output at the plate, Ramirez helps the Guardians. Imagine if he gets hot.
NEXT: Guardians All-Star Named Player To Watch In Postseason
