José Ramírez, the Guardians' third baseman, has been ranked fifth on MLB Network's Top 100 Players Right Now list for 2026. This marks a significant rise from his ninth-place ranking in 2025, showcasing his consistent excellence. However, it's worth noting that the four-time American League MVP finalist didn't secure the top spot in the AL Central Division, which went to Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The rankings, revealed on Thursday night, placed Ramírez ahead of Mets slugger Juan Soto and behind 2025 Major League Player of the Year Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. His teammate, Steven Kwan, also made the list at No. 75. Analyst Cliff Floyd, a 17-year MLB veteran, praised Ramírez's impact on the Guardians lineup, highlighting his ability to consistently perform as a 'one-man wrecking crew'. The top five players according to MLB Network are Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Witt, Raleigh, and Ramírez. The network's rankings were based on performance over recent seasons, with a strong emphasis on 2025 and projected 2026 performance. A panel of evaluators considered accolades and positional value, including players returning from injury. The Top 100 Players Right Now list featured athletes with an impressive array of awards, including 243 All-Star selections, 87 Silver Slugger Awards, 42 Gold Glove Awards, and 18 Most Valuable Player Awards.
