All-Star third baseman José Ramírez has solidified his future with the Cleveland Guardians by agreeing to a seven-year contract worth $175 million. This deal, confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations, was reported on Saturday by The Associated Press. The agreement is pending a physical examination and has not yet been officially announced.
Ramírez, a native of the Dominican Republic, has spent his entire 13-year Major League Baseball career with the Guardians. With this new contract, he is now signed through the 2028 season. Previously, he had three years and $69 million remaining on the contract he signed in 2022, but this new deal will average $25 million per year. It also includes a no-trade clause and performance bonuses tied to his finishes in the MVP voting.
Record-Breaking Career
Over his career, Ramírez has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in baseball. He has finished in the top five of the American League MVP voting six times, including a third-place finish last year and fifth in 2024. During his tenure with Cleveland, the team has made the postseason eight times, notably reaching the World Series in 2016 where they lost in seven games to the Chicago Cubs.
In recent years, the Guardians have experienced success in the American League Central, winning the division title for the past two seasons. Ramírez achieved a significant milestone last season by becoming the first player in franchise history to record at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. He is now among an elite group of players who have accomplished this feat with only one team, joining the likes of Robin Yount, Craig Biggio, and Derek Jeter.
A Dynamic Player in Action
In the 2025 season, Ramírez demonstrated remarkable athleticism, achieving a career-high of 44 stolen bases and becoming only the fourth player in MLB history with multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases. He finished the season with a batting average of .283 and had an impressive 21-game hit streak from May 6 to May 28.
He leads the franchise in extra-base hits with 726 and has recorded 27 multi-homer games. Additionally, Ramírez ranks second in the team’s history for home runs and RBIs, with a total of 949 runs batted in. His consistent performance has made him a pivotal player for the Guardians and a fan favorite.
As Ramírez continues his career with the Guardians, his new contract not only secures his place in Cleveland but also highlights his significance to the franchise and its loyal supporters.
