CLEVELAND — José Ramírez is now in a league of his own.
The Guardians' third baseman on Tuesday was named the American League's Silver Slugger Award winner for the fifth time of his career at his position, the most by any player in Cleveland history. He previously shared the club record with Albert Belle, who won four straight from 1993-96.
Already considered one of the best players in baseball, Ramírez continued to reach new heights in 2024, tying his career-high with 39 home runs while also setting new personal bests with 114 runs scored and 41 stolen bases. He finished among the AL's top five in homers, runs, RBIs, steals, doubles, and total bases, and had it not been for a rainout on the regular season's final day, he might've had a legitimate chance to become the Guards' first-ever 40-40 player.
A six-time All-Star who started for the American League at third base this past season, Ramírez was previously named a Silver Slugger in 2017, '18, '20, and '22. While he was not among the three finalists for the AL MVP Award, he is on track to finish in the top 10 in voting for the seventh time in eight years.
With MLB Awards season heating up, Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez and left fielder Steven Kwan were already named AL Gold Glove Award winners for the third consecutive season at their respective positions. Closer Emmanuel Clase is also a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award, while Stephen Vogt is up for AL Manager of the Year.
The Silver Sluggers are awarded to the best offensive players at each position in each league (including designated hitters and utility players) following a vote among managers and coaches. Cleveland first baseman Josh Naylor joined Ramírez as a finalist, but lost out to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays.