The Guardians just made sure their cornerstone isn’t going anywhere.
Cleveland and superstar third baseman José Ramírez are finalizing a four-year, $106 million extension that, once complete, will be added to the final three years and $69 million remaining on his current contract. That brings the total to a seven-year, $175 million pact that keeps Ramírez in a Guardians uniform through his age-39 season.
And yes, $70 million of that is deferred, but the bigger story is what this means for the Guardians-and for Ramírez.
This is a player who’s not just the face of the franchise-he is the franchise. A six-time Silver Slugger, perennial MVP candidate, and the heartbeat of Cleveland’s lineup, Ramírez has already carved out a place in the club’s history books. Now, he’s doubling down on his commitment to the city and the team that believed in him from the start.
What stands out here is that this isn’t the first time Ramírez has prioritized staying in Cleveland over chasing a bigger payday elsewhere. Back in April 2022, he signed a $141 million extension just before hitting free agency. At the time, trade talks with the Blue Jays and Padres were reportedly heating up-but Ramírez made it clear: he wanted to stay.
Fast forward to now, and his loyalty hasn’t wavered.
Coming off another stellar campaign in 2025, Ramírez proved he’s still one of the most dynamic players in the game. He slashed .283/.360/.503 with 30 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases.
That’s not just production-that’s elite, well-rounded impact. He finished third in AL MVP voting and notched his third 30-30 season, including a second straight year with 30 homers and 40 steals.
At age 33, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
This extension doesn’t just lock in a star-it solidifies Cleveland’s identity. In an era where stars often bounce from team to team, Ramírez’s decision to stay-again-says something.
It says he believes in the Guardians’ direction. It says he values legacy.
And it says he wants to finish what he started.
For Cleveland, it’s a statement move. They’ve secured their leader, their most consistent bat, and arguably the most beloved Guardian since the franchise rebrand. And for Ramírez, it’s a chance to continue building a Hall of Fame résumé in the only uniform he’s ever worn.
In a league that’s always moving, José Ramírez just reminded us that sometimes, loyalty is still part of the game.