Jose Ramirez, a long-time star for the Cleveland Guardians, has signed a new extension that keeps him with the team through the 2032 season, when he will be 39. This deal restructures the three years and $69 million remaining on his previous contract and adds $106 million for the 2029-32 seasons.
The contract has a unique twist: it includes $70 million in deferred payments. Starting in 2026, Ramirez will receive $25 million each year, but $10 million will be deferred each year. This change shifts his earnings from 2026-28 down to $45 million upfront, giving the Guardians more room to make other roster moves.
Ramirez’s impressive stats speak for themselves. At 33, he hit .283 with 30 home runs and achieved a career-high 44 steals last season. He was pivotal in the Guardians’ AL Central title run, finishing third in the AL MVP voting. Despite never securing the MVP trophy, he has received multiple high placements over his career.
The commitment to Ramirez reflects the Guardians’ trust in his abilities, even into his late 30s. This new contract ranks as the third-highest guarantee in the team’s history, following his previous extensions and a deal with Andres Gimenez. The Guardians have historically managed their budget wisely, often trading star players, but Ramirez remains a rare exception. He’s expressed a strong desire to remain with the team, even leaving money on the table to stay loyal.
Some experts point out that this extension might be a way for the Guardians to act before upcoming changes in the collective bargaining agreement that could restrict deferred money in contracts. This trend isn’t unique to Cleveland; other teams, including the Dodgers, use deferred payments in high-value deals.
Whether Ramirez continues to deliver at this level remains to be seen. His extension shows the organization’s gratitude for his contributions and hopes for more great performances in the future.
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