CLEVELAND — Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez has been named as a finalist for the American League's Silver Slugger Award.
"J-Ram" will be looking to win his fifth career Silver Slugger Award, which would put him ahead of Albert Belle for the most in franchise history. The honor is given to the best offensive player at each position in both the American and National Leagues, with Ramírez up against three other finalists: Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros, Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox, and Isaac Paredes of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 31-year-old Ramírez put together another All-Star season in 2023, hitting .282 with 24 home runs and 84 runs batted in. He added 28 stolen bases and put together a WAR of 5.1.
Silver Slugger winners will be announced on MLB Network in a one-hour telecast at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 9.
Since the award's inception in 1980, 18 different Indians/Guardians players have taken home at total of 29 Silver Sluggers, with Belle winning four straight in the outfield from 1993-96. Ramírez is one of six players in franchise history to do it multiple times, previously achieving the honor in 2017, '18, '20, and '22.
In addition, Ramírez is a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in the American League. Ramírez is seeking his first career Gold Glove, although he may have an uphill climb. While his 2.48 range factor is certainly impressive, it sits tied with fellow finalist Bregman, and well behind Toronto's Matt Chapman's mark of 2.72. Chapman also leads all AL finalists with a .968 fielding percentage and 12 defensive runs saved, compared to just .956 and one for Ramírez, respectively.
Three finalists were named at each of the nine defensive positions in both the American and National Leagues, plus a utility spot. The winners will be unveiled on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight."
More Guardians coverage:
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- Three Cleveland Guardians players named finalists for AL Gold Glove Awards: See who made the list