Jose Ramirez’s MVP Aspirations Derailed Again as Aaron Judge Dominates
Jose Ramirez has been an indispensable part of the Cleveland Guardians since he first suited up for over 100 games in 2016. That season, he made his mark by finishing 17th on the American League MVP ballot—a precursor to a remarkable journey that has seen him nominated for MVP honors eight times in nine years. The 2023 season, however, marked his lowest finish at 10th place.
A Resilient Career Trajectory
While 2019 was a challenging year for Ramirez, it also acted as a pivotal moment in his career. He rebounded sharply, earning All-Star selections in both 2017 and 2018, where he finished third in MVP voting in each of those seasons. In 2017, he showcased his prowess with a .318 batting average, while 2018 witnessed him launch 39 home runs and drive in 105 runs, alongside stealing 34 bases. His ability to adapt and evolve as a player has kept him relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The shortened 2020 season provided a fresh canvas for Ramirez, allowing him to bounce back with renewed vigor. He hit 17 home runs, recorded 46 RBIs, and swiped 10 bases in just 58 games, finishing the year with a .292 batting average and a stellar OPS of .993. Though the All-Star Game was absent that year, he secured his best MVP finish yet, coming in second.
The MVP Conundrum
Despite his impressive track record, Ramirez’s MVP dreams remain unfulfilled, a sentiment echoed by baseball analyst Sarah Langs. She argues that he could very well be the greatest player in baseball history to never win the award, mainly due to the fierce competition in the American League. Players like Aaron Judge, peak Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani have made the path to MVP honors exceptionally difficult. Nevertheless, Ramirez’s consistent voting record is a testament to his excellence, with an average finish of 3.61 in MVP voting—higher than any other player who has yet to claim the award.
This season, he finished third in the MVP voting, trailing only Cal Raleigh and the eventual winner, Aaron Judge. This marked the sixth time he has finished in the top five and the fourth time in the top three. As noted, his six top-five finishes tie him with Eddie Murray for the most without a win, trailing only Mike Trout among active players, who boasts nine—three of which are wins.
Advanced Metrics Reflect Consistency
Ramirez’s advanced metrics further underscore his value. This year marked the sixth time he achieved a WAR of over 5.5, with only Judge outpacing him since 2017. Throughout his six top-five finishes, he has amassed 431 extra-base hits, 1,733 total bases, 563 RBIs, 166 steals, and a .906 OPS—remarkable figures that speak to his consistency as a player.
Should Ramirez eventually secure an MVP award, it would be historic. He would break the records for the most top-five and top-three finishes before winning—currently held by Miguel Cabrera and Lou Gehrig with five top-five finishes, and several players including Paul Goldschmidt and Albert Pujols with three top-three finishes.
Future Outlook
At 33 years old, Ramirez is in the twilight of his prime, and the window for claiming an MVP award is narrowing, especially with the continued dominance of Aaron Judge and the rising star of Cal Raleigh in Seattle. Nevertheless, Ramirez remains committed to excellence, consistently racking up MVP votes in hopes that his time will eventually come to hoist the coveted trophy. If that day never arrives, he may very well be remembered as the greatest player to never achieve that singular honor.
