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Guardians, Jose Ramirez Finalize Contract Extension Through 2032

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Jose Ramirez Extends with Cleveland Guardians Through 2032

Jose Ramirez has agreed to a contract extension with the Cleveland Guardians, securing his tenure with the team through the 2032 season. The agreement, pending a physical, restructures the remaining three years and $69 million from his previous contract and adds $106 million in new funds for the 2029-2032 seasons. Ramirez is represented by Republik Sports.

Key Details of the Extension

The new agreement features several significant components:

  • The extension includes $70 million in deferred money.
  • Ramirez will receive $25 million annually from 2026-2032, with $10 million deferred each year.
  • The original $69 million slated for 2026-2028 is now structured as $45 million in upfront payments.
  • The deal incorporates increased incentive bonuses, such as $500,000 for an MVP award.

Career and Performance Overview

Ramirez joined the organization in 2009 as an international free agent at age 17. His career statistics include a .279 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, .504 slugging percentage, 285 home runs, and 287 stolen bases over 6759 plate appearances. He has accumulated 57.6 bWAR, ranking him fifth in Indians/Guardians history.

Despite turning 33 last September, Ramirez demonstrated continued high performance. He hit .283/.360/.503 with 30 home runs and a career-best 44 stolen bases in 673 plate appearances. This exceptional performance contributed to the Guardians' AL Central title and led to Ramirez's third-place finish in AL MVP voting. He has recorded multiple top-three and top-six MVP finishes throughout his distinguished career.

Financial Implications and Historical Context

The $106 million in new money for this extension represents the third-highest guarantee Cleveland has ever given to a player. The significant deferred money component is strategically designed to provide the Guardians with additional payroll flexibility.

This marks Ramirez's third extension with Cleveland. His first multi-year agreement was a five-year, $26 million deal for 2017-2021, which included club options. After consistently outperforming that contract, a second extension was signed in April 2022, adding five years and $124 million.

The Guardians organization has historically traded star players prior to free agency to acquire younger talent. Ramirez has been a notable exception to this pattern, having expressed a preference for playing in Cleveland and signing multiple extensions.

The timing of the extension precedes the next collective bargaining agreement, amid rumors of potential restrictions on deferred money in player contracts. Deferred money arrangements have been utilized by both large and small-market teams, with the Dodgers being a well-known example.

Reporting Details

The agreement was initially reported by Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital. Jon Heyman of the New York Post provided details on the $70 million in deferrals. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the year-to-year financial breakdown, while ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed the agreement, pending a physical.