The Cleveland Guardians’ offseason has kicked off with a major honor for one of their brightest stars. On Tuesday evening, José Ramírez was named the American League Silver Slugger Award winner at third base, adding another accolade to his already impressive resume. This marks the fifth time in Ramírez’s stellar career that he has earned this prestigious award, having previously claimed it in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Ramírez’s 2024 season was nothing short of exceptional. He came agonizingly close to making Cleveland baseball history, falling just one home run short of becoming the franchise’s first member of the elusive 40-40 club. Ramírez ended the year with 39 home runs and 41 stolen bases, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed that few players can match. His all-around offensive brilliance was further underscored by 118 RBIs and 114 runs scored, both of which were instrumental in the Guardians’ successful campaign.
Despite the Guardians’ 162nd game being canceled due to rain, which washed out Ramírez’s final opportunity to reach 40 home runs, his season remained one for the record books. He accumulated 39 doubles, an achievement that highlighted his elite hitting prowess. With 333 total bases, he tied for fourth in the American League, while his RBI total was second-best.
Ramírez’s fifth Silver Slugger Award puts him in elite company. He has now surpassed Albert Belle for the most Silver Sluggers in Cleveland franchise history. Among third basemen across MLB, only Hall of Famers Wade Boggs (eight awards) and Mike Schmidt (six awards) have more.
The Guardians’ success wasn’t just about individual accomplishments. The team, led by first-year manager Stephen Vogt, claimed the AL Central Division title. Vogt’s remarkable debut season has earned him a spot as a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year, an award that will be announced on November 19. Meanwhile, the Guardians’ bullpen anchor, closer Emmanuel Clase, is also in the running for individual glory as a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, with the winner being named on November 20.
Stay tuned as more awards and recognitions could be on the horizon for Cleveland, a city that has much to celebrate thanks to its resilient baseball team and standout players like José Ramírez.