The Indians are reportedly set to scratch an item off their offseason to-do list.
As expected, the team will exercise third baseman Jose Ramirez's $12 million contract option for 2022, according to Audacy MLB insider Jon Heyman.
The expected move comes as a virtual formality, with Ramirez's modest salary a relative bargain for a 29-year-old three-time All-Star still in his prime.
The Indians hold another club option on Ramirez for 2023, at $13 million. A potential date with free agency could come after that season.
The club-friendly terms were negotiated as part of an extension Ramirez signed in March 2017. That deal bought out his years of arbitration eligibility, and potentially two years of free agency, in exchange for more security.
As Heyman notes, Ramirez's extension rates as "one of the best team contracts of alltime."
Recent reports indicate that the sides have made little headway to date on a potential extension, though with another club option looming in '23, there's still plenty of time left. Plus, the coming CBA negotiations and potential lockout could table such talks for the time being.
The switch-hitting Ramirez has developed into one of the game's best all-around infielders over the past several seasons, his outstanding play recognized with the All-Star nods and three top-3 MVP finishes.
With 34.4 fWAR already on his ledger at age 29, Ramirez could be have a Hall of Fame resume by the end of his career with a few more standout campaigns.
In 2021, he hit .266/.355/.538 with 36 home runs, 111 runs, 103 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. For his career, he's hitting .278/.354/.501 in 4,028 plate appearances.
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