The Cleveland Guardians just saw one of their own make the Hall of Fame this week as CC Sabathia was elected in his first year of eligibility alongside Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner.
Seeing Sabathia make the Hall has been surreal for many Guardians fans, who saw him rise through the minors and debut for the team at 20 years old in 2001. This has made some fans wonder who will be the next Guardian to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
The Athletic’s Zack Meisel believes there’s a good chance star third baseman Jose Ramirez could be next, as he said in his most recent article.
“So, now, Ramírez’s path to the Hall of Fame seems pretty clear. A few more standout seasons, or a couple standout seasons plus a couple solid ones, and he should strut his way to Cooperstown. In other words, just avoid a sharp, sudden decline and he stands a good chance,” Meisel said.
Ramirez is heading into his age-32 season and has plenty left in the tank before he hangs them up, and the legacy discussions can begin.
However, if he can keep going at his current pace, he’ll certainly have an argument for being inducted.
Ramirez currently sits at 1,500 hits, 364 doubles, 255 home runs, 243 steals, and a career .856 OPS with an impressive 52.4 WAR.
He has six All-Star selections and five Silver Sluggers to his name as well.
What would truly strengthen his case and solidify his legacy is a World Series, as being the best player on a team that ends this franchise’s nearly 80-year title drought would make him immortal.
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