The Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez has always stood out for his extraordinary baseball IQ—at least, that’s what his manager claims. He actually called it the highest he’s ever seen. Still, even with all that praise, Ramírez didn’t win the MVP this year.
This post takes a look at what makes Ramírez so special, how he performed this season, and why he might’ve missed out on the MVP award.
José Ramírez: A Season to Remember
Ramírez has been a cornerstone for the Cleveland Guardians for years. His blend of skill, smarts, and leadership is rare in the league.
This season, he put on a show. Whether he was at the plate, in the field, or on the basepaths, Ramírez left his mark.
Offensive Prowess
His numbers? Pretty impressive. Ramírez hit .293, launched 39 home runs, and drove in 112 runs.
He reached base at a .372 clip and slugged .547. Not just a power hitter—he kept rallies alive and gave his team chances to score.
Defensive Excellence
On defense, Ramírez held it down at third base. Quick reflexes, a strong arm, and a knack for making tough plays—he had it all.
He finished with a .978 fielding percentage and showed off some serious range. You could see his value every night.
Base Running Intelligence
Ramírez’s base running doesn’t get talked about enough. He swiped 27 bases this season, reading pitchers and catchers like a book.
His instincts on the bases set him apart. That baseball IQ his manager raves about? It really shows here.
The MVP Race: A Closer Look
Even with those numbers, Ramírez didn’t snag the MVP. The competition this year was tough—maybe tougher than usual.
Stiff Competition
Shohei Ohtani kept dazzling everyone as a two-way star. Aaron Judge broke the American League home run record. With guys putting up those kinds of seasons, the MVP race felt crowded.
Team Performance
Team success matters in MVP voting, whether we like it or not. The Guardians had a solid year, but they didn’t exactly dominate or make a deep playoff run.
That probably hurt Ramírez’s chances against players from teams that went further.
Subjective Factors
MVP voting isn’t just about stats. Voters look at leadership, clutch moments, and the stories that stick in your mind.
Ramírez checks a lot of those boxes, but sometimes another player’s narrative just takes over. Maybe that happened here.
High Praise from His Manager
Regardless of the MVP results, Ramírez has his manager’s respect. Calling his baseball IQ the best he’s ever seen? That’s no small compliment.
Game Awareness
Ramírez always seems to know where to be. He anticipates plays, reacts in a flash, and makes decisions that can flip a game on its head.
That kind of awareness isn’t easy to teach. You either have it, or you don’t—and Ramírez has it in spades.
Leadership and Mentorship
He’s not just a star on the field. Ramírez leads in the clubhouse, too.
He helps younger guys, shares what he knows, and sets the tone with his work ethic. The Guardians lean on him for more than just his bat and glove.
José Ramírez’s season really stood out. He delivered impressive performances both at the plate and in the field.
He ran the bases with a kind of instinct you just don’t see every day. That baseball IQ? Off the charts, honestly.
Even though he didn’t snag the MVP, you can’t ignore how much he gave the Cleveland Guardians. His manager couldn’t stop praising his feel for the game—it’s rare to see someone read situations like that.
If you want a deeper dive into Ramírez’s season and what his manager had to say, check out the full article here.
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