The Cleveland Guardians have a gem in Jose Ramirez, a player whose consistency and talent seem to defy the usual aging curve. As he strides into his 30s, Ramirez is not just maintaining his performance-he’s enhancing it. In 2025, he delivered his second consecutive 30-30 season, and if he hits that mark again, he’ll join the legendary Barry Bonds as the only players to achieve this feat three years running.
For 2026, projections peg Ramirez at 28 home runs. While that number might fall short of the magical 30, don’t be surprised if he surpasses it. Ramirez has been the Guardians' home run leader for six straight seasons, and betting against him doing it again seems like a risky move.
The Guardians do have some emerging talent in the mix. Kyle Manzardo had a strong showing with 27 homers and 70 RBIs last season, and Rhys Hoskins has joined the team, adding another layer of competition. But Ramirez, affectionately known as "J-Ram," has been a cornerstone for Cleveland, consistently leading the charge in power hitting.
Despite projections placing him just shy of 30 homers, Ramirez’s track record speaks volumes. He crushed 39 homers in 2024 and has multiple seasons with impressive power numbers. His durability is another asset, having played at least 152 games in each of the past five full seasons, and he’s been a fixture in the top 10 of AL MVP voting for six years straight.
As the Guardians integrate young talent into their lineup, they’ll rely heavily on Ramirez’s steady production. After struggling near the bottom of the league in runs scored last season, Cleveland can’t afford a dip in his performance. Fortunately for them, Ramirez continues to be a formidable force, likely heading towards a Hall of Fame-worthy career.