Here’s a bold statement: José Ramírez, once hailed as Major League Baseball’s most underrated player, has officially shattered that label. And this is the part most people miss—his recent recognition as the No. 1 third baseman by MLB Network isn’t just a ranking; it’s a testament to his unparalleled dominance in the sport. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player who doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a third baseman truly be considered the best? Let’s dive in.
On Wednesday night, MLB Network crowned Ramírez as the top third baseman in their “Top 10 Third Basemen Right Now” list, leaving heavyweights like Max Muncy (No. 2, Dodgers), Alex Bregman (No. 3, Cubs), and Manny Machado (No. 5, Padres) in his wake. The full rankings are as follows:
- José Ramírez, Guardians
- Max Muncy, Dodgers
- Alex Bregman, Cubs
- Matt Chapman, Giants
- Manny Machado, Padres
- Junior Caminero, Rays
- Bo Bichette, Mets
- Isaac Paredes, Astros
- Eugenio Suárez, Reds
- Austin Riley, Braves
But here’s the kicker: MLB Network analyst and former third baseman Mike Lowell didn’t hold back in his praise. “He has no weaknesses at third base,” Lowell said. “He’s an elite base runner, a defensive powerhouse, and a switch-hitter who demolishes left-handed pitching while still holding his own against righties. There’s nothing he doesn’t do exceptionally well.” Lowell even went as far as to say, “He’s building a Hall of Fame resume,” highlighting the rarity of such a gap between the No. 1 and No. 2 players in any position ranking.
Now, let’s break this down for beginners: Ramírez’s success isn’t just about flashy stats—though those are impressive. In 2025, he batted .283 with 34 doubles, 30 home runs, and 85 RBIs, while stealing 44 bases in 51 attempts. This marked his second consecutive 30-30 season, a feat that’s as rare as it is remarkable. At 33, the seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner has consistently placed in the top six of AL MVP voting, including one second-place and three third-place finishes. His recent seven-year, $175 million extension with the Guardians cements his status as a franchise cornerstone.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ramírez doesn’t fit the prototypical third baseman mold. He’s not as tall or physically imposing as some of his peers, yet his performance speaks for itself. Does this challenge our preconceived notions of what a top player should look like? Absolutely. And that’s what makes his story so compelling.
MLB Network’s rankings, which rely on both traditional and Statcast metrics, also placed Ramírez fifth among the top 100 players heading into the 2026 season. As the highest-ranked player from Latin America, he trails only Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh. This global recognition underscores his impact not just on the Guardians but on the sport as a whole.
So, here’s the question for you: Is José Ramírez the undisputed king of third base, or is there room for debate? Does his lack of a traditional build make his achievements even more impressive, or is it time to redefine what we consider the ‘ideal’ player? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
