MLB

Guardians’ Wild Card Hopes Rest With José Ramírez’s Bat and Base Stealing

For the Cleveland Guardians to remain in the American League Wild Card hunt, Ramírez needs to be putting on MVP-like performances through September.
Guardians’ Wild Card Hopes Rest With José Ramírez’s Bat and Base Stealing
José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates as he rounds the bases on a solo homer during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Aug. 12, 2025. Jason Miller/Getty Images
Donald Laible
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Slugger José Ramírez is invaluable to the Cleveland Guardians—there’s no question about it. And this time, their 2025 schedule is do-or-die for the Guardians.

An even bigger statement concerning Cleveland’s relevance in the American League Central is, “Where would the club be without Ramírez?” There’s no doubt that the Guardians’ senior member of continuous seasons with the club is the single biggest contributor for them remaining in the Wild Card race.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.