Jose Ramirez is going to be in Cleveland for a long time. The Guardians made sure of that Wednesday by signing the All-Star third baseman to a five-year, $124-million extension through 2028. Per Jon Heyman of Audacy Sports and the New York Post, it’s the richest contract in club history, more than doubling the previous high-water mark set by Edwin Encarnacion in 2017. The deal comes on the eve of Opening Day with the Guardians beginning their 2022 season Thursday at Kansas City.
A three-time All-Star who finished runner-up to Jose Abreu for American League MVP in 2020, Ramirez has spent his entire career with Cleveland, joining the Guardians as an international free agent in 2009. Ramirez had been in negotiations for much of the past month, though, as recently as last week it appeared the two sides had reached an impasse with little chance of striking a deal before Opening Day. Ramirez’s extension, which runs through his age-36 season, includes a full no-trade clause, allowing the Dominican Republic native veto power over any proposed trade.
Ramirez enjoyed a monster season in 2021, ranking among the majors’ top ten in runs (111), steals (27) and wins above replacement (6.7). The 29-year-old switch hitter has finished in the top three of AL MVP voting three of his last five seasons. He led Cleveland in virtually every offensive category last season including home runs (36), RBI (103), doubles (32), walks (72) and slugging percentage (.538).
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