All-star third baseman and American League MVP finalist José Ramírez has finalized a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians, according to a source familiar with the discussions. This agreement, confirmed on Saturday, comes ahead of a mandatory physical and has not yet been publicly announced. The deal extends Ramírez’s time with the Guardians until the end of the 2028 season.
The 33-year-old player, who has spent his entire 13-year major league career with Cleveland, previously had three years and $69 million remaining on the contract he signed in 2022. Under the new terms, he will earn an average of $25 million per year. The contract also includes a no-trade clause and incentives based on his performance in the MVP voting, where he has finished in the top five six times, including a third-place finish last season and fifth in 2024.
Cleveland has seen considerable success since Ramírez joined the team in 2013, reaching the postseason eight times. Notably, the Guardians lost to the Chicago Cubs in a dramatic seven-game 2016 World Series. The team has dominated the AL Central division in the past two seasons, with Ramírez playing a crucial role in their achievements.
Ramírez made history last season, becoming the first player in franchise history to record at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. He is just the second switch-hitter to achieve this milestone, following Carlos Beltrán. As of the end of the 2026 season, he holds 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases. Other players who have accomplished the 250-250 feat with a single team include Robin Yount, Craig Biggio, and Derek Jeter.
In addition to his impressive home run and stolen base totals, Ramírez recorded a career-high 44 stolen bases last season, joining an elite group of four players in MLB history with multiple seasons featuring at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases. He ended the season with a batting average of .283 and achieved a franchise-record 726 extra base hits, along with 27 multi-homer games. Ramírez also enjoyed a career-long hit streak of 21 games from May 6 to May 28.
The Guardians are clearly investing in Ramírez, who remains a key component of their future, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster as they continue to pursue championship aspirations.
