You don’t have to be an expert baseball analyst to see that Jose Ramirez is not his old self.
Last night, Jose’s OPS dipped below .700 for the first time since the Cavaliers still had never won an NBA title. He has a .591 OPS since returning from hamate surgery. Now, prior to surgery, Jose was not his usual self in actual production with a 111 wRC+ but his xwOBA of .354 was in line with his production from 2024-2025. He wasn’t hitting as usual pulled-fly-balls as usual, but everything else looked
about normal. And, who knows exactly how long the hamate has been bothering him.
Since returning, Jose continues to have an elite eye at the plate with a 10/9 K/BB% and elite baserunning… but his power is completely gone and he has had some concerning defensive issues (last night’s drop of a pop-up foul, included). The power being gone seems very clearly explained by his hamate issue; his strength has not yet returned and likely will not until next season. The defensive issues… my guess is Jose is carrying his disappointment with him into the field, which, while understandable, does need to improve.
So, what should we think about this?
First of all, if you are looking at Jose and angry because you believe he does not care or is not trying… you can kick rocks. He clearly cares as much as always… probably caring too much is part of his problem.
Second of all, if you believe Jose should be benched, you need to go research the results of hamate surgery for older players and look at how to root for aging faces of the franchise. I swear to you if I hear any of you boo Jose, I will personally curse you so that both sides of your pillow are perpetually uncomfortably moist and warm.
José Ramírez chose us when no other superstar in the history of any Cleveland sport would have done what he did in extending here in 2022. He is Cleveland baseball. He will return to being a great player in 2027 (provided there is a season). Don’t abandon a future hall of famer at the first sign of trouble and make yourself look like an idiot when he shows you he’s not washed in short order.
Should José be batting third right now? No. Should he probably be on the IL? Maybe. Should we support him and believe in him and make excuses for him because he loves us like no other Cleveland athlete ever has. Absolutely.
So, get your act together Guardians’ fans. Stay in Jose’s corner with the kind of grit and stubbornness he and our city are famous for.
