Donovan Mitchell might be a New York native and lifelong Mets fan, but since landing in Cleveland, he’s fully embraced the city’s sports scene - and that includes going all-in on the Guardians. The Cavaliers All-Star hasn’t just been a casual supporter from the sidelines. He’s been vocal, visible, and genuinely invested in the Guardians’ journey, both on and off the field.
That loyalty was on full display when Guardians third baseman José Ramírez locked in a massive contract extension - seven years, $175 million, with $106 million in new money and $70 million deferred over a decade. It’s the kind of deal that signals a long-term commitment to keeping a franchise cornerstone in Cleveland, and Mitchell made sure to give it a nod.
Shortly after news of the extension broke, Mitchell took to Instagram to show his support for Ramírez, giving the star slugger a shoutout that didn’t go unnoticed. It wasn’t the first time Mitchell’s used his platform to celebrate Cleveland’s baseball team, either. Over the summer, he was spotted at Guardians games, soaking in the atmosphere and connecting with fans - not just as a celebrity attendee, but as someone who clearly cares about the team’s success.
And that passion didn’t fade when the calendar flipped to fall. As the Guardians clinched a playoff spot in 2025, Mitchell celebrated right alongside the fanbase.
He fired off a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “YESSIRR!!! @CleGuardians‼️‼️” - a simple but fired-up message that captured the energy of the moment.
His support carried through the AL Wild Card series, where the Guardians ultimately fell to the Tigers in a tight 2-1 battle.
Even after the season ended, the connection between the Cavs and Guardians remained strong. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt was spotted courtside at a Cavs game, sharing a moment with Mitchell during a stretch when the Cavaliers were rolling near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Now, with the Cavs sitting at 26-20 and gearing up for a matchup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Mitchell continues to lead on the court while repping Cleveland off of it. His bond with the city’s teams - especially the Guardians - is more than just PR.
It’s the kind of cross-sport camaraderie that fans love to see, and it says a lot about how Cleveland has become more than just a stop on Mitchell’s NBA journey. It’s home.