Guardians Reach Contract Extension with Jose Ramirez

Jose Ramirez Extends Tenure with Guardians

Jose Ramirez, the celebrated third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has reached an agreement for an extension that will keep him with the team through his age-39 season in 2032. The deal is set to restructure his previous contract while adding significant financial commitments, signaling the organization’s confidence in his continued performance.

Details of the Extension

The new agreement, which awaits a physical to be finalized, restructures the remaining three years and $69 million on Ramirez’s prior contract. An additional $106 million will be included, covering the 2029-2032 seasons. Notably, $70 million of this new money will be deferred, with Ramirez earning $25 million annually from 2026 to 2032, albeit with $10 million deferred each year. This adjustment allows the Guardians to gain payroll flexibility for short-term roster enhancements while still committing to their star player.

Ramirez’s Career Highlights

Since joining the Guardians as an international free agent in 2009 at the age of 17, Ramirez has established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Over the course of his career, he has recorded a batting line of .279/.353/.504, tallied 285 home runs, and stolen 287 bases. His impressive performance has earned him a bWAR of 57.6, placing him fifth in the all-time rankings for the organization.

Despite recently turning 33, Ramirez continues to deliver impressive results. In the past season, he hit .283 with 30 home runs and a career-high 44 steals, contributing significantly to the Guardians’ success and earning a third-place finish in the AL MVP voting.

Financial Implications

The commitment of $106 million represents the third-largest guarantee made by the Guardians to any player, behind only Ramirez’s earlier extensions and a notable seven-year deal with Andres Gimenez in 2023. The deferred money component may help lighten the immediate financial burden, which is crucial for a lower-payroll team like the Guardians.

This is the third extension Ramirez has signed with the organization. Prior agreements include a five-year deal worth $26 million covering 2017-2021 and a subsequent five-year agreement that added $124 million in new money in 2022. Ramirez’s willingness to sign consecutive extensions has set him apart in a franchise known for trading star players to manage payroll constraints.

Future Considerations

The timing of this extension appears strategic, potentially aimed at solidifying Ramirez’s future with the team ahead of forthcoming collective bargaining discussions. There has been speculation surrounding possible league-imposed restrictions on deferred payments, a common practice in contracts aimed at easing immediate salary caps. As both big- and small-market teams utilize deferred money, Ramirez’s extension reflects both a reward for his loyalty and a long-term investment in his capabilities.

As the Guardians aim to maintain competitiveness, this extension of Jose Ramirez not only cements his legacy in Cleveland, but also represents a significant commitment in a landscape where financial flexibility is vital for team success.

Original source: Open the source