Guardians lock in franchise icon José Ramírez with massive extension through 2032: What to know about the $175M deal
José Ramírez secures long-term future with Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have reached an agreement on another long-term contract extension with superstar third baseman José Ramírez, ensuring that one of the most iconic players in franchise history remains in Cleveland through the 2032 season.
The extension, which is pending a physical, restructures the final three years of Ramírez’s existing contract and adds $106 million in new money, keeping the seven-time All-Star with the organization through his age-39 season. The deal includes a significant $70 million in deferred payments, a financial structure that offers Cleveland added payroll flexibility in the coming seasons.
How the New José Ramírez Contract Is Structured
Under the revised agreement, Ramírez will earn $25 million annually from 2026 through 2032, with $10 million deferred each season. This restructuring reduces the upfront cost of the remaining years on his prior contract from $69 million to $45 million, allowing the Guardians to potentially strengthen their roster in the short term.
The extension also includes enhanced incentive bonuses, such as a reported $500,000 bonus for winning the American League MVP Award, further rewarding elite performance.
A Career Defined by Loyalty and Excellence
Ramírez signed with Cleveland as an international free agent in 2009 at just 17 years old and has since become one of the most productive players the franchise has ever seen. Across 6,759 plate appearances, he owns a career slash line of .279/.353/.504, with 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases.
His 57.6 career WAR ranks fifth all-time in Guardians history, cementing his status among the greatest players to ever wear the uniform. Defensively, Ramírez has consistently graded as an above-average third baseman, adding value on both sides of the ball.
Still Producing at an Elite Level
Despite turning 33 years old in September, Ramírez showed no signs of decline during the 2025 season. He posted a .283/.360/.503 slash line, hit 30 home runs, and recorded a career-high 44 stolen bases, all while helping lead Cleveland to a late-season surge and an AL Central title.
His performance earned him a third-place finish in AL MVP voting, adding to an MVP résumé that includes six straight top-10 finishes, one second-place finish, and multiple third-place results.
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A Major Financial Commitment for a Small-Market Team
The $106 million in new money represents the third-largest guarantee in franchise history, trailing only Ramírez’s previous extension and the $106.5 million deal signed by Andrés Giménez in 2023.
While committing to a player into his late 30s carries risk, especially for a lower-payroll team like Cleveland, the heavy use of deferred money lowers the present-day financial impact. The timing may also reflect concern over a future collective bargaining agreement that could limit deferred contracts.
Why José Ramírez Is the Exception
Historically, the Guardians have often traded star players before free agency. Ramírez is the rare exception. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Cleveland and has now left tens of millions of dollars on the table across multiple extensions to do so.
This marks the third contract extension Ramírez has signed with the organization, reinforcing both his loyalty and the franchise’s belief that he can continue producing at a high level well into his 30s.
Deal Nearing Completion
Reports from multiple insiders confirm the agreement is essentially complete, pending a physical. Once finalized, the extension will likely ensure José Ramírez spends his entire MLB career in Cleveland, a rarity in modern baseball.
FAQ
Who is José Ramírez?
José Ramírez is a seven-time MLB All-Star and the Cleveland Guardians’ star third baseman, widely regarded as one of the best players in franchise history.
How long is José Ramírez’s new contract?
The extension runs through the 2032 MLB season, keeping Ramírez under contract through his age-39 year.
How much is José Ramírez’s extension worth?
The deal adds $106 million in new money, with $70 million deferred over seven seasons.
Why did the Guardians defer so much money?
Deferred money lowers the immediate payroll hit, giving Cleveland flexibility to improve the roster while keeping its franchise player.
Is José Ramírez still playing at a high level?
Yes. In 2025, he hit 30 home runs, stole 44 bases, and finished third in AL MVP voting.
Has José Ramírez ever been close to leaving Cleveland?
Trade talks occurred before his 2022 extension, but Ramírez has repeatedly chosen to stay, signing multiple team-friendly deals.
Will José Ramírez retire as a Guardian?
If the extension is completed as expected, Ramírez is positioned to spend his entire MLB career in Cleveland.