Remember when José Ramírez’s Guardians journey started as a September call-up? 

On Sept. 1, 2013, a new era began in Cleveland. No one knew it at the time, however. 

Back then, any player on a team’s 40-man roster could be called up as a part of the September call-ups, which led to Cleveland recalling Nick Hagadone, Blake Wood and Preston Guilmet from Triple-A Columbus along with purchasing the contracts of Kelly Shoppach (Triple-A) and José Ramírez (Double-A). 

At the time, Ramírez was viewed as a speedy second baseman who provided value with his legs and versatility. 

And while he still provides value with those two traits some 12 years later, he’s since blossomed into one of the best all-around players in baseball who is beginning to look more and more like a Hall of Famer. 

Remember when José Ramírez’s Guardians journey started as a September call-up? 

Ramírez’s time with Cleveland didn’t amount to much early, as he only appeared in 14 games that September, going 4-for-12 with a triple. 

In fact, he didn’t really do much until his third year in baseball, as he posted a .237 batting average in 165 games across 2014 and ‘15 as a part-time player.

Then 2016 happened. 

Ramírez hit .312 with 11 home runs, 76 RBI, 46 doubles and three triples in the Indians’ path toward the World Series. That set off one of the best careers in Cleveland baseball history, as Ramírez is a seven-time All-Star who has won four Silver Sluggers and earned MVP votes across seven seasons. 

Although each team can only add two additional players to their roster now as a part of September call-ups (remember when games used to have 10+ pitching changes?), it’s important to remember how important that roster addition is to Ramírez’s story. 

While it would be foolish to expect the Guardians’ September call-ups this year to have the same kind of trajectory as Ramírez, it’ll be interesting to see what path they go down. 

Will Wilson stood out as the top position player option (for better or for worse) given he’s already seen time with the Guardians at the major league level, but he’s on the roster on a permanent basis thanks to their release of Carlos Santana.

The other position players in the minor leagues on the 40-man roster are Johnathan Rodríguez, Jhonkensy Noel, Petey Halpin and Juan Brito. Of those players, Brito stands out as the most intriguing option, but he’s missed a decent amount of time this year thanks to hamstring and thumb injuries.

Noel has arguably played well enough in Triple-A to earn a call-up, but it would be a bit tougher to find playing time for him on the roster. 

But, regardless of the position player the Guardians add to their roster, it should serve as a reminder of the pathway it provided for one of the best players in franchise history.