How on Earth Does José Ramírez Just Keep Getting Better?
José Ramírez, now the all-time leader in games played for the Cleveland Guardians, continues to defy age-related decline. As of April 6, 2026, he surpassed Terry Turner’s long-standing record, playing his 1,620th game. Remarkably, at 33, he leads the league with 11 stolen bases this season, on pace for a personal best of 69. His performance is marked by an impressive combination of drawing walks, a rising hard-hit rate, and consistent impact at the plate, suggesting his potential for a record-breaking season.
By the Numbers- 1,620 games played, surpassing Terry Turner's franchise record.
- 11 stolen bases, with a projection for 69 by season's end.
- 135 wRC+, slightly above his previous season's 133 wRC+
- Ramírez is experiencing a career-high walk rate of 16.8%.
- His hard-hit rate is also at a personal best of 46.2%.
- He's on track for 106 non-intentional walks this season, well above his previous average.
Looking forward, Ramírez is projected to achieve substantial offensive metrics, potentially leading to a six-win season. As he continues to demonstrate exceptional skills, including improved baserunning and hitting, further milestones may be on the horizon. Continued performance at this level could solidify his status as one of the game's elite players even as he ages.
Bottom LineJosé Ramírez is redefining expectations for aging athletes in Major League Baseball. With his historic games played, an unparalleled mix of speed and power, and the ability to draw walks, he's not only maintaining his performance but arguably improving it. As he sets his sights on a standout season, Ramírez remains a cornerstone for the Guardians and an exciting player to watch.
Read more at Just Baseball
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

