All-Star third baseman and American League MVP finalist José Ramírez has agreed to a seven-year contract worth $175 million with the Cleveland Guardians, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the Associated Press on March 16, 2024. This deal ensures that the 33-year-old player will remain with the team through the 2028 season.
Ramírez, a native of the Dominican Republic, has spent his entire 13-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career in Cleveland. Previously, he had three years and $69 million left on the contract he signed in 2022. The new agreement will average $25 million annually and includes a no-trade clause alongside performance bonuses based on his MVP standings, where he has consistently ranked among the top five players, finishing third in 2023 and fifth in 2024.
Ramírez’s Record-Breaking Performances
Since making his MLB debut in 2013, Ramírez has been a key contributor to the Guardians, who have reached the postseason eight times during his tenure. Notably, the team came within one game of securing the championship in the 2016 World Series, losing to the Chicago Cubs in a dramatic seven-game series. The Guardians have also won the AL Central division in the past two seasons, showcasing their competitive edge in the league.
Last season, Ramírez achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first player in franchise history to record at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. As of the end of the 2023 season, he has tallied 285 home runs and 287 stolen bases. This accomplishment places him alongside legends such as Carlos Beltrán, Robin Yount, Craig Biggio, and Derek Jeter as the only players to reach the 250-250 mark with a single team.
Impressive Career Highlights
Ramírez’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. He recorded a career-high 44 stolen bases in the previous season, making him the fourth player in MLB history to achieve multiple seasons with at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases. His batting average stood at .283, featuring a career-long 21-game hit streak from May 6 to May 28, 2023.
In franchise history, Ramírez leads in extra-base hits with 726 and has participated in 27 multi-homer games. He currently ranks second in both home runs and RBIs with 949.
This newly signed contract not only secures Ramírez’s future with the Guardians but also reinforces the team’s commitment to retaining one of its most valuable assets as they look to build on recent successes in the league.
