In 2022, the Cleveland Guardians bucked their own personal trend of not paying players when they extended franchise legend Jose Ramirez to an unprecedented contract. The Guards signed their franchise's third basemen to a seven-year deal, worth $124 million which runs through the 2028 season. It was a massive deal, but one that was wildly under market value for Ramirez.
There were many clubs lining up to trade for the now eight-time All-Star, but Ramirez felt a loyalty to the club and wanted to work with them to find a deal that kept him in Cleveland. A move that shocked many, as Ramirez was and is one of the best players in the game. Heading into the 2026 season, he's been in the Top 6 of the AL MVP voting seven times, cementing him as a top-10 position player in the American League.
So his below-market-value extension took everyone by surprise. Ramirez has never really shied away from the 'why' of it, as he's gone on to explain his love of the city and the club. That doesn't mean there isn't still more to the story. Yet, what many may not be aware of is how long it took for the deal to come together.
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It turns out the contract had been discussed since 2020.
"We went through a year and a half of negotiations, and when I finally signed, I got a significant salary bump," Ramirez said, speaking to Hector Gomez (translated from Master Flip on X). "I knew it wasn’t fully reflective of my market value, and plenty of people made sure to point that out. But I’m a veteran, I understand how the game works. Cleveland is a small-market team, and they simply can’t pay me what I could command on the open market. So I told them, Let’s find a fair agreement that works for both sides. I spoke directly with the GM. There were real trade discussions and offers from other teams willing to extend me at my full asking price, but my heart was set on staying in Cleveland. First and foremost, my children were born here. My wife feels comfortable in Cleveland and so do I. I owe this city a lot. Since the day I arrived, I’ve never once been booed by these fans. I’ve seen how crowds in other stadiums treat players when results don’t come quickly, and that’s never happened here."
Ramirez has solidified himself as a franchise legend. He's had the most plate appearances in franchise history, sits seventh in most hits, third in doubles, second in home runs, second in RBIs, ninth in walks, second in stolen bases, and fourth in WAR among position players. When it's all said and done, he'll likely retire as the most beloved member of the franchise ever. It's also almost a lock that when he does retire, he'll retire and head right on over to Cooperstown among the very best of the game of baseball.
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