Ramirez agrees to 5-year extension
Jose Ramirez isn't going anywhere. The Guardians have reportedly agreed to a five-year, $124 million contract extension with their star third baseman that would keep Ramirez, 29, in Cleveland through 2028. ESPN was first to report the agreement.
Prior to the extension, Ramirez was under club control through next season. His new deal, including those options, has $150 million in guarantees and includes a full no-trade clause.
It more than doubles the largest contract ever handed out by the franchise. The previous high was the $60 million free-agent deal given to Edwin Encarnacion.
Ramirez has finished in the top-6 of American League MVP voting in four of the last five seasons. Since the beginning of the 2017 season, he has accrued 28 FWAR (wins above replacement, which measures how many wins a player is worth to his team over a replacement-level player), the third-most in baseball behind only Mike Trout and Mookie Betts.
A year ago, Ramirez hit .266 with an .893 OPS, 36 home runs, 32 doubles, five triples, 103 RBI and 27 stolen bases.
The Guardians took a targeted approach to free agency this offseason, in part due to the lowered payroll trend of the last few years and in part due to the organization needing to add so many highly-regarded prospects to the 40man roster.
During the past few weeks, trade rumors emerged when it appeared negotiations had stalled, with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres pushing for Ramirez.
But the Guardians' payroll had dipped to a projected $57 million, according to Fangraphs, so there was more than ample room to ensure Ramirez
remains with the Guardians long term.
Manager Terry Francona recently noted that when Ramirez broke through to the majors with Cleveland, he was a utility player who brought excitement to the base paths. Over time, he became the Mario Kart-playing, struttingaround-the-clubhouse ball of energy who also happened to be a 30-30 level talent, one who formed a tremendously talented duo on the left side of Cleveland's infield with Francisco Lindor for several years. It became clear Lindor wasn't going to remain in Cleveland though, and he was traded to the New York Mets prior to last season.
That means Ramirez is now the face of the franchise, both in talent and salary. Pitcher Shane Bieber, who might also fit that description, said earlier this spring he'd be open to a contract extension as well.
The club has also signed closer Emmanuel Clase to a reported five-year, $20 million extension that includes two club options earlier this spring. Clase's deal could also keep him in Cleveland through 2028.