José Ramírez: The Underrated Star of Major League Baseball

NEW YORK — Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez has long been overlooked in discussions of baseball’s elite talent. Despite being a six-time All-Star and consistent performer, Ramírez remains undervalued, particularly when compared to stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

During a recent press conference, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed frustration at the idea that Ramírez isn’t appreciated. Inside the Guardians clubhouse, Ramírez is considered one of the best, if not the best, player in the league. His teammate David Fry noted, “If he were a Yankee, he’d probably be talked about 24/7 on TV. But because he’s in Cleveland and doesn’t want the spotlight, it doesn’t get talked about as much.”

Ramírez’s path to stardom has been unusual. He was not a highly touted prospect and often ranked as one of the smallest players on the field. Discovered almost by chance in 2009 by scout Ramón Peña, he made his MLB debut in September 2013 after years of steady development with the Guardians.

Before signing a seven-year, $141 million deal this spring, there were rumors of a potential trade to the San Diego Padres or Toronto Blue Jays. The negotiations culminated in a hurried meeting at Chase Field in Arizona, where Ramírez’s agent and team officials finalized the agreement in a race against time.

This year, at 32, Ramírez is having one of the most prolific seasons of his career, currently batting .330 with a .939 OPS. He has rebounded from past struggles and displays no signs of slowing down. “He’s incredible,” Fry commented, noting Ramírez’s ability to turn on fastballs and gain extra bases with remarkable base-running skills.

Throughout his career, he has produced impressive statistics, including the potential for a 30-homer, 36-double, and 44-stolen base season. In 2022, he fell just short of a 40/40 season, a feat only accomplished by Alfonso Soriano. Despite that, Ramírez embraced the challenge and even hinted at future goals of 50/50 or more, showing his competitive spirit.

Guardians staff, including manager Stephen Vogt and third-base coach Rouglas Odor, highlight Ramírez’s intelligence on the field. Odor praised him for always looking for an advantage, demonstrating skill and state-of-the-art base-running tactics.

“He hustles every day,” said Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee. Ramírez’s combination of speed, strategy, and determination makes him a standout player, even in the shadow of larger market stars.

As he continues to play, Ramírez’s legacy grows. If his current pace holds, he could soon join exclusive company in baseball history and earn a place among the greats. “It’s the beauty of baseball,” Vogt said. “Size does give you some advantage sometimes, but it’s all about the skill, the art. José just continues to amaze me every single day.”