Guardians' Jose Ramirez named Silver Slugger finalist

You know bro, Silver Slugger finalist.

Jose Ramirez is the only member of the 2023 Cleveland Guardians to be named a finalist for the award presented by Louisville Slugger. Last season saw Ramirez win his fourth Silver Slugger Award, all coming within six years. Ramirez's four Silver Sluggers tie him with Albert Belle for the club record, a record that could end up being all his own should he come away with another award. Belle would win Silver Sluggers in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996.

Going up against Ramirez at third base are Houston's Alex Bregman, Boston's Rafael Devers, and Tampa Bay's isaac Paredes. Paredes is a first time nominee, while Bregman (2019) and Devers (2021) have each won in the years which Ramirez didn't (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022).

It may be tough for Ramirez to win his fifth Silver Slugger, considering the performance of the other candidates. Ramirez holds a slight edge in one category. Doubles. Cleveland's third baseman finished the 2023 season with 36 doubles, trailing Toronto's Matt Chapman by three for the American League lead. Unfortunately, Ramirez trails in home runs and slugging percentage, which may be too much to overcome.

Devers' 33 was the highest total by an American League third baseman this past season, with Paredes' 31 ranking second and Bregman's 25 being fourth. Ramirez was slightly behind Bregman with 24 on the year, sixth-most in the league. Concerning slugging percentage, Devers (.500) led all third basemen, and Paredes' .489 ranked second. Meanwhile, Ramirez's .475 was closer to Paredes' third-place finish than Bregman's sixth-ranked slugging percentage (.441).

Is it possible that Ramirez wins his fifth Silver Slugger Award in seven seasons? It is certainly possible. However, it just seems like the odds may be stacked against him, considering his rankings in the home run and slugging percentage departments.