CLEVELAND — José Ramírez has already established himself as one of the greatest players in Cleveland baseball history. Now, the Guardians third baseman is closing in on a milestone only eight other players have achieved.
Ramírez entered September with 296 career home runs and more than 300 stolen bases, leaving him four homers away from joining Major League Baseball’s exclusive 300-300 club.
The list currently includes Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, Carlos Beltrán, Bobby Bonds, Reggie Sanders and Steve Finley. Ramírez would become the ninth player in MLB history—and the first primary third baseman—to reach both marks.
His pursuit moved a step closer Sunday when he homered and drove in four runs during Cleveland’s 11-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The two-run shot was his 11th homer of the season, increasing his career total to 296. He also recorded the 1,000th single of his career later in the game.
Reaching 300 home runs would add another accomplishment to what has already been a milestone-filled season. Ramírez became the franchise’s all-time leader in games played on April 6 before recording his 300th stolen base on May 2 against the Athletics. He is only the second player in Cleveland history to steal 300 bases, joining Kenny Lofton.
The home-run side of the equation has taken longer than expected, in large part because of an injury. Ramírez suffered a fractured left hamate in June and spent five weeks on the injured list. He returned July 22 but has continued to work through the loss of strength and discomfort that can follow hand surgery.
Sunday’s homer was his first since June 6, ending a drought that lasted nearly three months on the calendar. Despite the absence of home-run power, there have been signs that Ramírez is beginning to find his form. He hit .293 with a .358 on-base percentage over his final 15 games of August.
With 25 games remaining in the regular season, Ramírez should have time to reach the milestone this year. More importantly for Cleveland, any return of his power would come as the Guardians attempt to hold onto the final American League wild-card position and chase down the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.
Once Ramírez reaches 300 home runs, he will also become only the second player to hit at least 300 in a Cleveland uniform. Jim Thome, the franchise leader with 337, is the only player to have done so.
Ramírez may not be remembered nationally in quite the same way as some of the names already in the 300-300 club. But joining them would provide further evidence of what Cleveland fans have watched for more than a decade: one of the most complete players of his generation.