Despite a recent three-game losing streak, the Cleveland Guardians' stars are continuing to shine brightly as the 2025 All-Star Game approaches. José Ramírez and Steven Kwan are in strong positions to advance to the next phase of voting, and rookie manager Stephen Vogt has received a surprising and prestigious honor of his own.
Ramírez Dominates at Third Base
José Ramírez appears to be a lock at third base. As Joe Noga from Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast points out, Ramírez holds a significant lead over Alex Bregman in the fan voting. His performance on the field mirrors his popularity at the ballot box.
“Ramírez is having a great first half,” podcast host Paul Hoynes stated. “His 39-game on-base streak ended Sunday, but he’s still hitting .324. He has 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 20 steals in 24 attempts, with a .928 OPS. Like Justin Verlander, he’s not getting older; he’s getting better.”
Kwan Battles for Outfield Spot
Steven Kwan finds himself in a tighter race for an outfield spot. Currently fourth among outfielders in voting, he trails Mike Trout by only approximately 17,000 votes for the third starting position. Kwan's performance is even more notable because he has been dealing with nagging injuries.
“Kwan is hitting .300 and has been bothered by a wrist injury, but he is still getting on base with a .361 on-base percentage and a .784 OPS. He has 78 hits in 260 at-bats, including 14 doubles and six homers,” Hoynes shared. “He’s still playing really well in left field.”
Vogt Joins All-Star Coaching Staff
The All-Star news doesn't stop with the players. Stephen Vogt has been named to the American League’s All-Star Game coaching staff. This is a major accomplishment for the rookie manager, reflecting his positive impact on the Guardians organization. This comes as a surprise to many, but displays the quality work that Stephen Vogt is doing for the Cleveland Guardians.