José Ramírez is closing in on history, and the most fascinating part is the single stat that decides when the story changes forever.NL

José Ramírez Is Quietly Building a Hall of Fame Resume – One Stolen Base at a Time

If you’re still sleeping on José Ramírez, it’s time to wake up. The Cleveland Guardians’ star isn’t just one of the most consistent hitters in baseball – he’s also one of the most complete players in the game. And while his bat gets plenty of attention, it’s his legs that are quietly pushing him into elite company.

Ramírez just finished third in AL MVP voting – again – and if you’ve been paying attention over the past few seasons, that shouldn’t surprise you. He’s been a cornerstone for Cleveland, year in and year out. But what might fly under the radar is just how high he’s climbed on MLB’s active stolen base leaderboard.

According to MLB Stats, Ramírez now ranks fifth among all active players with 287 career stolen bases. That puts him behind only Starling Marte (361), Billy Hamilton (326), Jose Altuve (325), and Trea Turner (315).

That’s not just a list of fast guys – that’s a list of players who’ve made speed a weapon. And Ramírez is right there with them.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a case of a player benefiting from recent rule changes. Yes, MLB’s larger bases and the new pickoff limits have opened the door for more steals league-wide.

But Ramírez was swiping bags long before those adjustments came into play. His totals are the product of years of smart, aggressive baserunning – not just favorable rule tweaks.

What makes Ramírez’s rise even more impressive is how he’s done it without the spotlight that often shines on stars in bigger markets. He’s never won an MVP, despite multiple top-three finishes. That’s not a knock on his performance – it’s more a reflection of how hard it can be for a small-market player to break through on the national stage, especially when guys like Aaron Judge are putting up monster numbers in New York.

But make no mistake: Ramírez is every bit the superstar. He hits for power, gets on base, plays elite defense at third, and runs the bases like a veteran who sees the game two steps ahead. His 287 steals don’t just speak to his speed – they speak to his baseball IQ, his instincts, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

At this point, Ramírez is building a resume that’s going to demand serious Hall of Fame consideration when it’s all said and done. MVP or not, he’s already one of the most complete players of his generation. And if he keeps climbing the stolen base charts – while continuing to rake at the plate – that case is only going to get stronger.

For now, he’s focused on the same goal he’s always had: bringing a World Series title to Cleveland. And with the way he’s playing, that dream feels a little more real every year.