Guardians’ José Ramírez Again Named AL Hank Aaron Award Finalist

The 2025 Major League Baseball awards season is heating up, and Cleveland Guardians superstar José Ramírez is once again in the spotlight.

Named a finalist for the prestigious American League Hank Aaron Award, Ramírez is recognized as one of the game’s premier offensive forces.

This is his fourth nomination for the award, following selections in 2020, 2021, and 2024.

He’s chasing more than just another accolade — he wants to become Cleveland’s first Hank Aaron Award winner since Manny Ramirez in 1999.

With an impressive season at the plate and a stack of career milestones, Ramírez is making a statement to fans, analysts, and award voters alike.

Ramírez’s Outstanding 2024 Season

José Ramírez’s 2024 campaign showcased the consistency and power that have made him a cornerstone of the Guardians’ lineup.

Over 158 games, he hit .283 with 30 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 103 runs scored.

His .863 OPS landed among the best in the American League.

With a 137 OPS+, he finished in the league’s top 15 offensive performers.

Ramírez led Cleveland in nearly every major offensive category.

He also became the first player in franchise history to record both 250 career home runs and 250 stolen bases.

His versatility as a power hitter who can also impact the game on the basepaths makes him one of the most complete players in baseball.

Franchise Records and Career Milestones

The 33-year-old Dominican-born star keeps etching his name into the Guardians’ record books.

Ramírez moved into second place on the team’s all-time list for extra-base hits and surpassed 900 career RBIs.

These achievements reflect both his longevity and productivity, which is honestly rare these days.

His ability to consistently produce in multiple facets of the game really stands out.

The Competition for the Hank Aaron Award

The American League field for the 2025 Hank Aaron Award is stacked with talent.

Alongside Ramírez, other finalists include:

• Aaron Judge – New York Yankees slugger known for his towering home runs.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays star with a potent blend of power and contact hitting.
• Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals phenom, praised for his all-around offensive skill.
• Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins outfielder whose speed and power make him a constant threat.

Over in the National League, headliners Shohei Ohtani and Christian Yelich lead their respective list of finalists.

With names like these in the mix, the race for the honor promises to be fierce.

How the Winner Will Be Chosen

The Hank Aaron Award voting process blends tradition and fan involvement.

A panel of MLB legends such as Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Ken Griffey Jr. selects the winners.

Fans also get a say, with online voting open through October 12.

This combination brings together historical perspective and current-day fandom, so the award reflects both stats and public sentiment.

Honoring Hank Aaron’s Legacy

First introduced in 1999, the Hank Aaron Award recognizes the top offensive player in each league.

It’s a fitting tribute to the legendary Hammerin’ Hank, whose career really set the bar for batting excellence.

The award celebrates not only raw numbers but also the impact a player has on his team and the game as a whole.

For Ramírez, winning would cap an already exceptional chapter in his career.

It’d also mark a historic moment for the Guardians, who haven’t claimed the honor since Manny Ramirez brought it home in the award’s first year.

Looking Ahead to November

Baseball fans won’t have to wait long to see if José Ramírez’s season-long excellence gets the recognition it deserves. The winners of the Hank Aaron Award will be announced on November 13 during the MLB Awards show in Las Vegas.

This event grabs attention from every corner of the sport. If Ramírez’s mix of power, speed, and consistency earns him the nod, it’ll speak volumes about his dedication and skill.

Even if he doesn’t win, his spot among baseball’s top offensive players feels secure. Cleveland fans have plenty to celebrate, no matter the outcome.

 
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