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Cleveland Indians: Jose Ramirez Certifies Superstar Status with 30-30 Season

By Phil Akre |
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians slides across home plate to score a run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning during MLB game action as Mark Leiter Jr. #62 of the Toronto Blue Jays cannot tag him out in time at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians slides across home plate to score a run on a wild pitch in the sixth inning during MLB game action as Mark Leiter Jr. #62 of the Toronto Blue Jays cannot tag him out in time at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Cleveland Indians star Jose Ramirez has joined elite company in the 30-30 club. While the milestone is noteworthy, it brings to light just how special the 25-year-old is.

He didn’t really need to reach the 30-30 mark, but Cleveland Indians infielder Jose Ramirez certainly strengthened his case as one of the best players in the game by doing so.

The last player to reach the milestone none other than Mike Trout in back-to-back years from 2011-12. Ramirez becomes the 39th player to ever reach the historic mark.

He’s in some great company, too. Take a look at the list to see some of the legends who have reached it.

If reaching the mark does one thing, it proves to he is one of the games true elite talents.

The crazy thing is, he wasn’t actually that far off the mark last season. He finished with 29 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

He’s built on that campaign and more by breaking out in a big way this year. To this point, he’s hit .282 and is top-five in home runs (38) and RBI’s (99).

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There’s a legitimate chance he could finish the season with 40 stolen bases, too. His 32 swiped bags are third most in the American League behind Whit Merrifield and Mallex Smith.

He’s been mashing, too. His 38 home runs easily surpass his 2017 total of 28.

Aaron Rose of MLB.com pointed out that Ramirez is just the third basemen ever to accomplish the feat. In talking to Rose, Ramirez’s manager, Terry Francona, was certainly proud of his star.

“It’s not just the 30-30,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Everything he does, he impacts the game in so many different ways.”

Trout and Mookie Betts will probably both reach the 30-30 mark, too. But, Ramirez getting there first certainly says something. His average likely won’t keep him on par for the Most Valuable Player award, but, he’ll be in the mix.

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But, after finishing third in MVP voting last season, Ramirez can once again expect to represent the Cleveland Indians with a top-five finish.

Regardless of the finish, one thing is certain. He’s is here to stay.

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