5 predictions for the Cleveland Guardians in the second half of the season

5. Jose Ramirez finishes Top-3 in American League MVP voting

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez put together an impressive first half of the season and it should be expected that his high level of production continues over the rest of the regular season.

Ramirez slashed .271/.324/.518 with 23 home runs, 20 doubles, 77 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 92 games for Cleveland and appears poised to have one of his best seasons as a pro. With needing just one home run and three runs batted in to match last year's total, it would not be a surprise to see him pass those numbers and possibly even match or set new career highs in both areas (39 home runs, 126 RBI).

In just about any other year, a season like Ramirez is having would put him in consideration for winning the Most Valuable Player Award. However, Aaron Judge is doing Aaron Judge things again and looks like a lock to win the award. But that does not mean that Ramirez is going to be completely overlooked when it comes time to vote, and he should easily land in the Top 3 in AL MVP voting for the fourth time in his career.

Winning the award would be nice for Ramirez, but if he is able to continue his high level of production at the plate while being a driving force in a deep playoff run for the Guardians, it would be worth missing out on if they are the final team left standing when the season is over.