The Guardians' José Ramírez: A Third Baseman Like No Other
The MLB Network has ranked José Ramírez as the No. 1 third baseman, and it's no surprise. With a seven-year, $175 million extension under his belt, Ramírez is a force to be reckoned with. But what sets him apart from the rest?
First, let's talk about his versatility. Ramírez is a switch-hitter, meaning he can hit from both sides of the plate. This is a rare skill, and it's one of the reasons he's so effective. He's also a great base runner and an excellent defender, making him a well-rounded player.
But it's not just his defensive skills that make him stand out. Ramírez is a power hitter, with 30 home runs and 85 RBIs in the 2025 season alone. He's also a consistent performer, with a .283 batting average and 34 doubles. And let's not forget his speed - he's a 30-30 player, with 44 steals in 51 attempts.
So, what's the secret to his success? Well, it's not just about the numbers. As Mike Lowell, an MLB Network analyst and former third baseman, says, "He has no weaknesses at the third base position. There’s nothing he doesn’t do great."
Lowell also points out that Ramírez doesn't fit the typical prototype of a third baseman. He's not tall or built like some of the other players in the league. But that doesn't matter - his numbers speak for themselves.
The MLB Network's ranking is based on offensive and defensive metrics over several seasons, using both traditional and Statcast statistics. And it's clear that Ramírez is a top-tier player, not just in the American League but in the entire MLB.
In fact, the Guardians' star was recently ranked fifth among baseball's top 100 players headed into the 2026 season. And it's no surprise that he's a seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner. With his talent and consistency, Ramírez is a player to watch, and he's certainly one of the best third basemen in the game today.
