The Cleveland Guardians saw their season end in the AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers. Despite the early playoff exit, Jose Ramirez delivered another exceptional campaign that reinforced his standing among the league’s elite players.
Manager Stephen Vogt earned his second consecutive AL Manager of the Year award while Ramirez entered the MVP race as a legitimate contender behind eventual winner Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. Ramirez finished third in the voting, a result that carried financial implications beyond the recognition.
According to Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, the placement activated a bonus clause written into his contract.
“Guardians 3B Jose Ramirez earns an additional $150,000 for a 3rd place finish. He earned $19.3M total in 2025,” Ginnitti shared on X.
MLB MVP Bonuses#Guardians 3B Jose Ramirez earns an additional $150,000 for a 3rd place finish. He earned $19.3M total in 2025.#Mets OF Juan Soto earns an additional $150,000 for a 3rd place finish. He earned $122.175M in 2025 (not a typo)
— Spotrac (@spotrac) November 14, 2025
The third-place finish marks the eighth time Ramirez has appeared in the top 10 of MVP voting and the fourth time he has landed in the top three. He has anchored the Guardians franchise since his debut in 2013 but has never claimed the award despite consistently elite production.
Shohei Ohtani dominated the conversation during his years in Anaheim, and Aaron Judge has filled that role since Ohtani’s departure to the National League.
Ramirez’s value extends well beyond traditional statistics. His baseball instincts separate him from most players at his position.
He anticipates pitch sequences before they develop, recognizes breaking balls early, and identifies optimal moments to advance on the basepaths. Teammates and coaches consistently point to his cerebral approach as a defining trait.
His resume continues building toward potential Hall of Fame consideration. The consistency he has maintained throughout his career places him among the most valuable position players in baseball.
For now, Ramirez remains one of the most underappreciated stars in the sport despite producing at an MVP level year after year.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Gushes About Jose Ramirez's Baseball IQ
