Jose Ramirez Signs Contract Extension with Cleveland Guardians
Jose Ramirez, the talented third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2032, as confirmed by a source to ESPN on Saturday. This new deal is a significant development for the Guardians, as Ramirez has been the face of the franchise and their best player for the past decade.
Ramirez, 33, was already signed through 2028, but the sides were able to rework his deal and add four more years to the contract. The new agreement will see Cleveland pay him $175 million over the next seven seasons, with $10 million deferred every year. This contract extension is a testament to Ramirez’s value to the team and his commitment to staying with the Guardians.
Contract Details and Incentives
The deal includes a no-trade clause and bonuses for winning or finishing in the top five in MVP voting. Specifically, Ramirez will receive $500,000 if he wins MVP, $300,000 for a second- or third-place finish, and $150,000 if he finishes in fourth or fifth. He will also receive bonuses for making the All-Star team, winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger award, and for taking home the MVP of the LCS or World Series.
It’s worth noting that the $10 million deferred each year will be payable in 10 $1 million payments each year beginning in 2036 through 2045. This structured payment plan allows the team to manage their finances while still rewarding Ramirez for his exceptional performance.
Ramirez’s Career and Achievements
Ramirez has been an integral part of the Guardians’ success since debuting in 2013. He is a seven-time All-Star with six top-five finishes for MVP. His impressive career statistics include a.857 OPS with 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases, making him a plus defender at third. Ramirez has helped the Guardians make the postseason seven times since 2016, including the past two years, when he finished fifth and third in MVP voting.
While Ramirez hasn’t been as dominant in the playoffs, compiling a.692 OPS in 45 games, he has consistently been the one hitter in the lineup whom opponents have game-planned for over the years. His dedication to the team and his desire to stay in Cleveland are evident in his decision to sign a contract extension, potentially sacrificing higher earnings on the open market.
Ramirez initially signed a seven-year extension before the 2022 season for $141 million. That deal had three years left on it before the sides decided to extend and rework it. This new contract extension demonstrates the team’s commitment to keeping their star player and building a competitive roster around him.
The extension was first reported by De Bánica, and the news has been met with excitement from Guardians fans and the baseball community. As the team looks to build on their recent success, the contract extension of Jose Ramirez is a significant step in the right direction.
