The Cleveland Guardians have locked down their star third baseman, Jose Ramirez, with a lucrative seven-year contract worth $175 million. This deal ensures Ramirez's continued presence in the team's lineup through the 2028 season, marking a significant commitment from the organization to one of their most valuable players. With this contract, Ramirez will average $25 million annually, a substantial increase from the $69 million he was set to earn over the remaining three years of his previous contract. The new agreement also includes a no-trade clause, providing Ramirez with the security of remaining with the Guardians, and potential bonuses tied to his performance in the MVP balloting, given his consistent top-five finishes in recent years. Ramirez's exceptional skills were on full display last season, as he became the first player in franchise history to reach the 250-home run and 250-steal milestones, joining the elite group of switch-hitters led by Carlos Beltran. His 44 stolen bases were a career-high, and he also boasted a .283 batting average, including a remarkable 21-game hit streak. Ramirez's impact extends beyond individual achievements; he leads the franchise in extra-base hits and multi-homer games, and is second in home runs and RBIs. The Guardians' decision to secure Ramirez's services for the long term is a strategic move, as it ensures the team's continued competitiveness in the American League, given their eight postseason appearances since Ramirez's debut in 2013, including a memorable World Series run against the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
