Here’s a statement that might ruffle some feathers: José Ramírez, once dubbed MLB’s most underrated player, has officially shattered that label. But here’s where it gets controversial—is he not just the best third baseman in the league, but one of the greatest players of his generation? Let’s dive in.
On a Wednesday night that will go down in Cleveland sports history, MLB Network crowned José Ramírez as the No. 1 third baseman in baseball. This comes hot on the heels of his massive seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the Guardians, cementing his status as a franchise cornerstone. And while the accolades are pouring in now, it wasn’t long ago that Ramírez was flying under the radar—a fact that feels almost laughable today.
In MLB Network’s “Top 10 Third Basemen Right Now”, Ramírez topped a star-studded list that included heavy hitters like Max Muncy (No. 2, Dodgers), Alex Bregman (No. 3, Cubs), and Manny Machado (No. 5, Padres). And this is the part most people miss—analyst Mike Lowell, a former third baseman himself, didn’t hold back in his praise. “He has no weaknesses at third base,” Lowell said. “He’s an elite base runner, a defensive standout, and a switch-hitter who demolishes left-handed pitching while still holding his own against righties. There’s nothing he doesn’t do at an exceptional level.”
Lowell went on to call Ramírez’s career trajectory “Hall of Fame-worthy,” adding a fascinating observation: “Physically, he doesn’t fit the mold of a prototypical third baseman. He’s not as tall or as built as some of the others, but the numbers don’t lie.” Bold claim alert—Lowell even suggested the gap between Ramírez and the No. 2 spot is the largest MLB Network has ever seen in their Top 10 rankings. That’s not just praise—that’s a statement.
So, how did we get here? Ramírez’s 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. He slashed .283 with 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 RBIs, while stealing 44 bases in 51 attempts—his second consecutive 30-30 season. Oh, and let’s not forget he helped the Guardians clinch their third AL Central title in four years. At 33, the seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner shows no signs of slowing down.
MLB Network also ranked Ramírez as the fifth-best player in all of baseball heading into the 2026 season, behind only Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh. As the top-ranked player from Latin America, his impact extends far beyond Cleveland.
But here’s the question that’s bound to spark debate: Is José Ramírez’s dominance at third base enough to solidify his place among the all-time greats? Or is he still overlooked on a national stage? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just getting started.
