Source: Guardians, Ramirez agree to 7-year, $175M extension

Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez has reached an agreement on a contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland until 2032, as confirmed by a source to ESPN on Saturday.

At 33 years old, Ramirez was already under contract until 2028, but the two parties successfully restructured the agreement to add four additional years. Pending a physical, Cleveland will pay him $175 million over the next seven seasons, with $10 million deferred annually.

The agreement also includes a no-trade clause as well as incentives for winning or placing in the top five of MVP voting.

For the past decade, Ramirez has been the franchise’s cornerstone and Cleveland’s standout player since he made his debut in 2013. He is a seven-time All-Star with six top-five MVP finishes. His career stats include an .857 OPS, 285 home runs, and 287 stolen bases, and he is recognized as a strong defender at third base.

Ramirez has played a critical role in leading the Guardians to the postseason seven times since 2016, including the last two seasons, where he finished fifth and third in MVP voting. While he has not been as dominant in the playoffs, holding a .692 OPS across 45 games, he remains the hitter that opponents have consistently prepared for.

Prior to the 2022 season, Ramirez signed a seven-year contract extension worth $141 million. With three years left on that deal, both parties opted to extend and revise it. although the potential for a more lucrative contract on the open market, he has consistently voiced his contentment with Cleveland and his wish to remain with the team.

The new agreement stipulates a $500,000 bonus for winning MVP, $300,000 for finishing second or third, and $150,000 for placing fourth or fifth. Additional bonuses are also in place for making the All-Star team, winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger award, or being named MVP of the LCS or World Series.

The deferred $10 million each year will be distributed in ten $1 million payments starting in 2036 and concluding in 2045.

The extension was originally reported by De Bánica.