While the Cleveland Guardians face several roster challenges and inconsistencies this season, they are fortunate to lean on one of the most dependable and dynamic stars in Major League Baseball: José Ramírez. In a year filled with injuries, offensive slumps, and uncertainty, Ramírez remains the franchise’s rock—both statistically and emotionally.
Often overlooked in national conversations, Ramírez continues to quietly put together a stellar career that would be the envy of many. At 32 years old, he’s still performing at an elite level, offering the Guardians consistency, leadership, and production during a critical time. Despite all that the organization is dealing with, Ramírez has been a beacon of hope, anchoring the team and helping them stay competitive.
His contributions go beyond the field. Ramírez recently reached a major career milestone, becoming fourth all-time in games played for the Guardians with 1,527 appearances, a feat announced proudly by the team on social media. This isn’t the type of mark reached by someone who’s simply average—it requires years of excellence, durability, and commitment to one franchise.
And Ramírez has done just that.
With Terry Turner still holding the top spot on the franchise games-played list, Ramírez is inching closer by the day. If he remains healthy, he could surpass that record as early as next season—an extraordinary achievement for someone who already ranks as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Whether or not he claims the top spot, his legacy in Cleveland is already cemented.
On the field, he continues to defy age-related expectations. Entering Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ramírez was batting a scorching .317, with 13 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and a 148 wRC+, a stat that measures a player’s overall offensive value. For comparison, a wRC+ of 100 is league average—so Ramírez is producing 48% better than the typical major league hitter.
He’s not just padding stats, either—his impact is felt in clutch moments. In trademark fashion, he kicked off Wednesday’s matchup with an RBI hit, further proving that he remains a catalyst for Cleveland’s offense.
In an era when players often jump from team to team, Ramírez’s loyalty and sustained brilliance are rare. Guardians fans are watching a franchise legend in real time, and his chase for the all-time games record is just another chapter in what has already been a remarkable journey.
