Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez has clinched his fifth Silver Slugger award, recognizing him as the top hitting third baseman in the American League. His victory was announced on Friday night, showcasing his consistent performance amid a competitive field that included Alex Bregman of the Boston Red Sox and Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.
This impressive accolade adds to Ramírez’s previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2024. In addition to the honor, he received a $50,000 bonus for his achievement. Ramírez’s journey this season included a batting average of .283, with 168 hits out of 593 at-bats. His performance featured 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 runs batted in (RBI).
Ramírez’s Historic Season
This season marked a significant milestone for Ramírez, as he became the only player in the Guardians’ history to achieve three 30-30 seasons, hitting at least 30 home runs and stealing 40 bases in consecutive years. In total, he played in 158 games for the Guardians, solidifying his position as a key player in the team’s lineup.
The competition at the third base position in the American League was fierce. Caminero, a former Cleveland prospect, had an outstanding season himself, batting .311 with 159 hits from 607 at-bats. He recorded 28 doubles, 45 home runs, and 110 RBIs, while also striking out 125 times but maintaining discipline with 41 walks.
Bregman, in his debut season with the Red Sox, posted a solid performance as well, hitting .273 with 118 hits from 433 at-bats, contributing 28 doubles, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs.
Acknowledgment and Recognition
The Silver Slugger awards are determined by votes from Major League Baseball managers and coaches, who are prohibited from voting for players on their own teams. This ensures a fair assessment of player performance across the league.
As the awards are announced, Ramírez is expected to finish no lower than third in the upcoming American League MVP voting, reflecting his crucial impact on the field throughout the season. His exceptional achievements underscore his status as one of baseball’s premier talents, continuing to elevate the Guardians’ profile in the league.
