All-star third baseman and American League MVP finalist José Ramírez has secured a seven-year contract worth $175 million to continue his career with the Cleveland Guardians. According to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the agreement is subject to a physical examination and has yet to be publicly announced.
The 33-year-old Ramírez has spent his entire 13-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with Cleveland, now extending his time with the franchise through to the 2028 season. Previously, he had three years remaining on a $69 million contract signed in 2022. Under the new agreement, he will average $25 million annually over the next seven years.
In addition to the financial terms, the contract includes a no-trade clause and performance bonuses linked to his finishes in the MVP voting. Ramírez has consistently been recognized for his excellence, finishing in the top five of the MVP balloting six times, including third place in 2023 and fifth in 2024.
Cleveland’s postseason history reflects the team’s competitive nature since Ramírez made his MLB debut in 2013. The Guardians have reached the playoffs eight times during his tenure, notably falling to the Chicago Cubs in a seven-game thriller in the 2016 World Series. The team has also claimed the American League Central title for the past two seasons.
Last season, Ramírez made history as the first player in franchise history to achieve at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. He is only the second switch-hitter to reach this milestone alongside Carlos Beltrán, who recorded 435 home runs and 312 stolen bases. Heading into 2026, Ramírez boasts 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases.
Ramírez, a seven-time American League All-Star, also achieved a personal best with 44 stolen bases last season. He became the fourth player in MLB history to record multiple seasons with at least 30 home runs and 40 steals. His impressive performance included a .283 batting average and a career-long hit streak of 21 games from May 6 to May 28.
Within the franchise, Ramírez holds several records, including the most extra-base hits with 726 and 27 multi-homer games. He ranks second in franchise history for home runs and runs batted in, with a total of 949 RBIs.
As the Guardians prepare for the upcoming seasons, Ramírez’s presence is expected to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of continued success in the American League.
