José Ramírez played a central role in the Cleveland Guardians’ push to capture the American League Central division title in 2025. His contributions earned him a third-place finish in AL MVP voting, marking his highest placement in five years.
The recognition reflects the sustained excellence that has defined his career and keeps him in contention for the award each season.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt was asked Tuesday about aspects of Ramírez that often go unnoticed by those outside the organization. His response highlighted the third baseman’s impact beyond the statistics.
“The easy one is what a leader he is — the way he pushes his teammates, the way he pushes us coaches to be better. He does it by example on the field,” Vogt said. “Jose Ramirez has the highest baseball IQ that I’ve ever seen. He sees things that none of us see. He’s always thinking ahead. He knows when a pitcher is going to throw a ball in the dirt before he throws it. He knows when to steal third to take away a pitcher’s breaking ball. By far he’s one of the most cerebral players I’ve ever been around.”
Ramírez applies his understanding of the game across multiple areas. His defensive positioning reflects advanced preparation while his base running decisions create advantages that extend beyond physical ability.
He consistently evaluates opposing hitters and pitchers to make adjustments that contribute to both run prevention and offensive production. His Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base remains a constant throughout the season.
Beyond his on-field performance, Ramírez provides leadership within the clubhouse. He offers guidance to younger players and maintains the focused environment that has become a trademark of Cleveland’s roster construction.
During the 2025 season, Ramírez posted a .283 batting average with 30 home runs and 85 RBIs. He also scored 103 runs while recording a career-high 44 stolen bases. Those numbers paired with strong defensive metrics reinforced his status as one of the most complete players in baseball and a foundational piece of the Guardians’ competitive structure.
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