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Cleveland Indians: Who is the Regular Season MVP?

By Steven Kubitza

Jun 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) throws to first for an out in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners as teammate third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) covers the bag at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) throws to first for an out in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners as teammate third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) covers the bag at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians third basemen Jose Ramirez (11) hit an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians third basemen Jose Ramirez (11) hit an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Talk about a breakout season.

Jose Ramirez entered the season as a utility player for the Indians, ultimately ending the season as the permanent replacement at the third base position.

After never appearing in more than 97 games during the first three years of his career, Ramirez played in 152 games in 2016, leading the team with a .312 batting average. His 4.0 WAR was also the highest among position players on the team.

He was also an asset on defense, playing third base, left field, second base and shortstop throughout the course of the season. He never complained and never let the changes affect his production, proving his value to the ball club every day for the last six months.

Because of his consistency when given his different assignments, Ramirez is my choice for MVP of the regular season. He will not contend for AL MVP, but he is clearly the most valuable player for the Indians.

He did go through a bit of the slump in July, but he rebounded and has kept his average above the .300 mark since August 7.

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Known for his total disregard of his helmet’s safety, Ramirez is one of the many faces of this team, and one who may become the face of the MLB playoffs is he can help this team make a run at a World Series title.

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