José Ramírez, the Cleveland Guardians' star third baseman, has finalized a seven-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2032 season. The deal, announced on Thursday, underscores his deep commitment to the franchise where he has spent nearly half his life. Ramírez aims to lead the Guardians to a World Series title while building a Hall of Fame resume.
José Ramírez joined the Guardians organization in November 2009 as a 17-year-old international free agent from the Dominican Republic. Now 33, he describes himself as '50 percent Dominican, and 50 percent Clevelander.' The new extension spans through 2032, marking his 20th big league season and tying Mel Harder's franchise record for consecutive years in a Cleveland uniform.
Ramírez was already under contract through 2028 from a 2022 long-term deal. He initiated extension talks about a year ago to secure his future in Northeast Ohio. 'It's important to be here. This is where my family is and where I want to be. And most importantly, [it's] where I look forward to completing my career,' Ramírez said through interpreter Agustin Rivero.
The contract is worth $25 million per season, with $10 million deferred annually. Guardians owner and CEO Paul Dolan, minority owner David Blitzer, and president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti were heavily involved in the negotiations. 'If there was that opportunity to find a way to make it happen, we were all committed to doing that,' Antonetti said. 'José has been a driving force behind some very competitive baseball.'
Ramírez's ultimate goal remains winning a World Series, the franchise's first since 1948. 'The ultimate goal remains the same, which is to win the World Series,' he said. 'So for me, it's important to stay here, a commitment to continue to compete and win a World Series.' As a veteran leader, he plans to mentor young talent amid a quiet offseason where the team ranked 28th in runs per game last year. The Guardians explored additions like reuniting with outfielder Lane Thomas, who signed with the Royals.
Ramírez's resume bolsters his Hall of Fame case: seven All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, a 131 OPS+ tying Wade Boggs among Hall of Fame third basemen, and 57.6 bWAR through 13 seasons. He ranks high in franchise stats, including second in home runs (285) and RBIs (949). He is 15 homers and 13 steals shy of the 300-300 club and has finished in the top five of AL MVP voting six times. Dolan called him 'the greatest player in the history of our franchise.'
