In the young MLB season, to say the Cleveland Guardians have had an up and down year thus far would be an understatement. At 10-12 a majority of their series have been either getting swept or sweeping the opponent. Their offense coming in waves, but when the bats do wake up, its in a cavalcade of runs.
Lead by the the newly extended Jose Ramirez, a perennial MVP contender and hometown hero who received a much deserved contract extension this year and is playing like he deserved every penny of his 150 million dollar extension. Jose Ramirez was awarded the AL Player of the Month and boy did he deserve it. In the month of April, Jose hit .342 with 7 HR, 28 RBI and a OPS of 1.133. MVP numbers by far. with a long season a head of them, if Jose can keep up this pace he may have one of the best season hitting statistically of all time for Cleveland and would almost be a sure candidate if not front runner for the league MVP.
Behind him has been Steven Kwan, a rookie who most fans didn't even know at the start of the season, but has become not only a menace at the plate for opposing pitchers as he is as patient as they come, but also a fan favorite. Steven won the AL Rookie of the Month. Kwan hit .354 with 17 hits, 9 walks, 10 runs, a .459 OBP, and .959 OPS. He also did all of this while missing five games due to injury before returning to the lineup on April 30th.
While early season rewards don't mean much in the grand scheme of the long MLB season, and with the Guardians still below .500, it is encouraging to see our star player Jose Ramirez, being recognized as one of the best in the league early on. Then a young player in Steven Kwan showing out as one of the best rookies in all of Major League Baseball.