Jose Ramirez predicted to make history in 2025

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez had an impressive 2024 season that resulted in him coming in fifth in American League MVP voting, but it is what he is predicted to do in 2025 that could see his name in the baseball history books.

Taking his place as the Guardians' entry in a list of team predictions for next season appearing on MLB.com, Ramirez was chosen to do something he just missed out on last season: a 40-40 season. The 32-year-old veteran switch-hitter finished one home run shy of accomplishing this feat, and it is easy to wonder if the Guardians played all 162 games in 2024, he might have been able to hit that final long ball during the last game of the season (Guardians played 161 games last season, finishing with a 92-69 record).

While there will be plenty of attention paid to Ramirez's ability to hit a high volume of home runs in 2025, it is his baserunning abilities that were pointed out here, "The more he ages, the smarter he gets on the base paths, and if Cleveland can pick up another power bat to add some more protection behind him in the lineup, Ramírez could get another crack at joining the exclusive club."

The second part of that previous sentence requires some extra attention, picking up a power bat for protection. This became an immediate need following the Guardians' decision to trade slugging first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor's career-best year in 2024 provided the lineup protection that someone like Ramirez needs if they are going to produce at the level he does. Now that Naylor is out of the picture, Cleveland is going to need someone to step into his place and protect Ramirez the way he needs to be.

If Ramirez is able to record a 40-40 season in 2025, it should result in the Guardians experiencing plenty of team-based success. Ramirez is Cleveland's best player and is what makes this team go. Putting together a historical season of this nature should at least propel the Guardians into the postseason and potentially a deep run. This is the difference-making performance level a team like the Guardians need if they are going to be successful, and Ramirez will definitely do everything he can to ensure he does not miss out on 40-40 again next season.