Jose Ramirez, one of the most consistent stars in the sport, was shockingly ineffective in the batter's box during the 2026 regular season. The beloved Cleveland Guardians third baseman suffered a fractured hamate bone in his left hand and recorded a subpar .688 OPS in 544 plate appearances. But his well-rounded skill set can keep him afloat even when the bat is cold. When the offensive production is present, he is incredibly intimidating.

Pedro Martinez did not highlight the hitting component of No. 11's game, however. “Jose Ramirez: There’s no question about his defense, leadership and his pedigree,” the three-time Cy Young Award winner and current MLB analyst posted on X during Game 4 of the American League Division Series. “It’s always been there.”

Despite compiling a meager .235 batting average and 12 home runs, Ramirez added value by stealing 37 bases and operating as a plus-fielder at the hot corner. The six-time Silver Slugger embodies what it means to be a Guardians player, and he represents the ballclub with the utmost pride and joy. This all-encompassing impact is what will define his Cleveland legacy. But the city needed him to emphasize his bat in the playoffs.

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And he has. One night after going 2-for-4 with a triple, double, two RBIs and a stolen bag, Ramirez mashed a two-run, go-ahead homer in the fifth inning versus the Chicago White Sox. He then slapped a ground ball that Chase Meidroth was unable to secure in the sixth, giving the Guardians a 6-4 lead. Cleveland is now in prime position to host Game 5 on Saturday.

The Guards have fought their way back into this series with a collectively resilient effort, but Ramirez's October eruption is most noteworthy. What can this team accomplish when its best player is competing at full force? The White Sox are finding out.