Guardians Star Could Still Emerge In AL’s MVP Race

As recently as Memorial Day, it would have been outlandish to think that Jose Ramirez would contend for the AL MVP award, as he has almost every year for the past decade. It looked like age might be catching up to the Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman, who was performing well below the level that has made him one of the best players in the game.

Yet, just about three weeks later, Ramirez is starting to enter that MVP conversation again, now that he’s firing on all cylinders at the plate. The media is also looking for contenders, with three-time MVP Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees out indefinitely with a rib injury.

So, with a big second half, the opportunity is there for Ramirez to win the award that has remained just out of his grasp. It would certainly help if the 33-year-old could lead Cleveland to a third straight AL Central title.

With that in mind, MLB.com analyst Thomas Harrigan said he believes the Guardians star could still emerge in the AL’s wide-open MVP race.

“As we look around at some others who could realistically challenge for the hardware, it makes sense to start with Ramirez, perhaps the best player never to win an MVP. The Guardians third baseman has received MVP votes in nine of the past 10 seasons, finishing as a finalist four times and logging three other top-six finishes. With 10 homers and a .765 OPS, Ramírez hasn’t played up to his typical standard at the plate this year, but he’s on pace for a career high in steals (55) and is having a superb defensive season at the hot corner,” Harrigan wrote.

Harrigan named Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez as the current favorite to win AL MVP. He has the potential for a Triple Crown with 22 home runs, 48 RBIs and a .316 batting average entering play Friday.

Alvarez is followed by a top group of contenders that includes Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, and Yankees first baseman Ben Rice. Ramirez is in the next tier of candidates, along with Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez.

With a .238 batting average, .754 OPS, 10 home runs and 33 RBIs right now, it is unlikely Ramirez can improve enough statistically to challenge for the award, but this may be the season that the word “valuable” holds more meaning. By contributing with historic achievements on the bases, as well as in the field and the locker room, Ramirez may be able to garner enough support to finally take home the honor, especially if he stars during a pennant race.

It would in some way be fitting if Ramirez won MVP for a season like that, rather than the monster statistical years that fell just short in the past.