Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez earned his team-record ninth American League Player of the Week award on Monday, while Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner picked up his first career honor on the same day. Ramírez powered through a hot week with four home runs and five stolen bases. Hoerner delivered strong production, including 11 RBIs over six games.
José Ramírez, a franchise icon for the Guardians, reclaimed his form last week after a slow start. He went 8-for-22 with a .364 batting average, including a double, four home runs, five RBIs, five steals, and eight walks for a .533 on-base percentage. This marks his ninth Player of the Week award, surpassing previous Guardians winners, with six of the last nine going to him. His most recent prior win came on July 14, 2025. Ramírez now needs just nine home runs and three steals to reach 300 in each category, joining an elite group including Barry Bonds and Willie Mays. Nico Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner who hit .297 last season, had his best offensive week in eight MLB years. Over six games—five Cubs victories—he batted .346 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and two steals. His season stats now stand at .325/.402/.518, with three homers, seven steals, and 21 RBIs, tying for the MLB lead. He is the first Cubs player honored since Seiya Suzuki on September 29, 2025, and the fifth since the start of that season. San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill earned Play of the Week honors for robbing Julio Rodríguez of a home run before hitting a two-run walk-off double.
