MLB is populated with lots of quality third basemen.
The hot corner requires cat-like reflexes, a solid throwing arm, and speed of mind; not to mention an obvious offensive bar that these athletes need to clear in order to be considered elite.
Nolan Arenado, Matt Chapman, Austin Riley, Manny Machado, Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman… the names are plentiful.
However, the Cleveland Guardians claim they have the best third baseman in the league in Jose Ramirez.
Oh, José Ramírez? He's just the best third baseman in baseball.#GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/m1Udt5v02Y
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 23, 2024
And they might have a valid point.
Ramirez has been performing at the highest level, without any interruptions or subpar seasons, since 2016.
He has been doing it for a long time.
However, if you are looking for more recent performance, the numbers are also in his favor.
Since 2021, no third baseman in baseball has more Wins Above Replacement (WAR, FanGraphs version) than J-Ram.
He checks in at the top spot with 18.1 WAR over that span covering the last three seasons.
Riley, a budding star from the Atlanta Braves, is a distant second with 15.6 WAR.
Ramirez, who recently extended his contract with the Guardians and will probably be the face of the franchise for years to come, is still in prime form even though he is already 31.
Last year, he hit .282/.356/.475 with 24 home runs, 28 stolen bases, 36 doubles, and a .831 OPS.
He is an extra-base hit machine and his athleticism and speed also allow him to steal bases and play good defense.
In other words, Ramirez has no clear weaknesses in his game, and the “best third baseman in baseball” title suits him to perfection.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Long List Of Guardians' Outfield Options
