When it comes to the Cleveland Guardians, the conversation inevitably circles back to José Ramírez. This guy is the heart and soul of the team, and no one means more to their championship aspirations. He's not just any third baseman-he’s arguably the best in the game today.
The pressure on Ramírez ramped up recently when ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan highlighted him as the Guardians' key player for the 2026 season. It’s a no-brainer choice, given Ramírez’s track record and impact on the field.
The Guardians didn’t make a big splash in the offseason, despite some glaring needs. Last season, they ranked near the bottom in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Yet, they opted for a quiet winter, aiming to give prospects like Chase DeLauter and George Valera room to grow. Their only notable veteran addition was Rhys Hoskins at the start of spring training.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s Ramírez’s consistent brilliance. Over the past six years, he’s been a staple in MVP discussions and has snagged four Silver Slugger Awards.
His all-around game-bat, glove, and speed-makes him the complete package. Still, as Passan noted, he hasn’t exactly been showered with support from the front office.
Help might be on the horizon, though. Passan sees potential in Chase DeLauter to become a significant force in the lineup.
The catch? DeLauter’s durability.
He’s yet to play more than 57 games in a minor league season, and a minor injury this spring sidelined him briefly. However, he’s back and hitting well, which bodes well for the Guardians.
It’s easy to overlook Ramírez’s contributions, especially with his team-friendly contracts and all-around excellence. But Passan’s spotlight on the lack of reinforcements underscores the need for the Guardians to step up and support their superstar.