Cleveland Guardians Star José Ramírez Ranked 5th in MLB Top 100

Ramírez's consistent excellence overshadowed by flashier stars, but his sustained impact earns him career-high ranking

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the Guardians' team colors of navy blue, red, and white, conveying the raw athleticism and strategic depth of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Cleveland Guardians' star players, José Ramírez and Steven Kwan, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of their game.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez has been ranked 5th in MLB Network's annual Top 100 Players Right Now list, a career-high for the 33-year-old. Despite often being overlooked, Ramírez's impressive 2025 season - including a 30-30 campaign and crucial contributions to the Guardians' late-season comeback - has earned him recognition as one of the game's elite players. Joining Ramírez on the list is Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, who placed 75th overall.

Why it matters

Ramírez's ranking highlights the importance of recognizing sustained excellence, even if a player's achievements are overshadowed by more flashy performances. His consistent production and impact on the Guardians' success deserve more widespread appreciation, as he continues to be one of the most underrated stars in MLB.

The details

In the 2025 season, Ramírez posted a .283 batting average, .503 slugging percentage, 103 runs scored, 30 home runs, and 44 stolen bases. He became one of only five players in MLB history to achieve three separate 30-30 campaigns, a feat that often goes unnoticed. Ramírez's crucial September performance, when he slashed .287/.374/.515, was instrumental in the Guardians' historic comeback to win the AL Central Division on the final day of the season.

  • Ramírez was ranked 5th in MLB Network's 2026 Top 100 Players Right Now list.
  • Ramírez's 2025 season, in which he achieved his third career 30-30 campaign, was a key factor in his high ranking.

The players

José Ramírez

A 33-year-old third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, who has quietly become one of the most consistent and impactful players in MLB.

Steven Kwan

The Guardians' left fielder, who placed 75th overall and 9th among left fielders in the MLB Top 100 list, known for his defensive prowess and earning his 4th consecutive Gold Glove Award.

Shohei Ohtani

The two-way legend who was named the game's best player for the 4th time in 5 years, fresh off his 4th career MVP and leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to back-to-back World Series championships.

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What’s next

The Guardians will look to build on their late-season comeback and division title in the 2026 season, with Ramírez and Kwan leading the way.

The takeaway

This ranking for José Ramírez highlights the importance of recognizing consistent excellence, even when a player's achievements are overshadowed by more flashy performances. Ramírez's sustained impact and crucial contributions to the Guardians' success deserve more widespread appreciation, as he continues to be one of the most underrated stars in MLB.