Cleveland Indians: 4 candidates for Cleveland’s 2021 MVP

4 candidates for Cleveland Indians 2021 Most Valuable Player

The 2021 season has been a bit underwhelming for the Cleveland Indians compared to past seasons. For the first time since 2015, the Tribe are in true danger of finishing below .500. Many of the struggles for the team can be attributed to extended injury list stays for some of the team’s best players. Despite those barriers, the team has still managed to remain competitive to this point in the season.

To overcome the difficulties of the season, players have needed to step up. Whether it be embracing an already defined role, carving one out on their own or serving multiple based on the team’s needs at that point, these four players have been influential in the team’s path this year. As the season nears a close, these four players are the favorites to be the MVP of the Cleveland Indians.

Jose Ramirez, 3B, Cleveland Indians

While this season has been a down year for Cleveland All-Star Jose Ramirez, he’s still been one of the better players in the Tribe’s lineup. After being second in the AL MVP voting last year, Ramirez struggled early in the season. Luckily, he’s improved a bit lately and has still managed to be one of the team’s best players in 2021.

On the year, Ramirez is slashing .260/.349/.549 with 57 walks, 28 doubles, 32 home runs, 86 RBI, 90 runs scored and 20 stolen bases, all of which lead Cleveland’s offense. That includes an improved August that saw Ramirez slash .273/.350/.627 with eight doubles and nine home runs.

Ramirez has also been strong with runners on base, slashing .307/.386/.642 with 71 RBI thanks to 16 doubles and 17 home runs.

Statistically, it’s hard to argue against Ramirez as the offensive MVP at the very least. While the season hasn’t been his best, he’s still been arguably Cleveland’s best player at the plate this year.