Ramirez extends contract with Cleveland Guardians, pledges to lead team to World Series title

José Ramírez initially entered the Cleveland Guardians system as a 17-year-old international free agent from the Dominican Republic on November 17, 2009. Put simply, almost half of his life has been spent with this team. "I consider myself half and half: 50% Dominican, 50% Cleveland," Ramírez said today through translator Agustin Rivero.

Ramírez’s connection to Cleveland is fitting, as the 33-year-old is nearly certain to spend his entire playing career in Northeast Ohio. Today, the Guardians officially completed a seven-year contract extension with him, which will keep him through the 2032 season—his 20th in the major leagues.

Ramírez’s previous long-term deal, signed in 2022, originally extended through 2028. The timing of this new extension reflects Ramírez’s desire to secure his future in Cleveland, having instructed his agent, Rafa Nieves, to begin negotiations with the team about a year ago.

"There has been a lot of discussion about the nature and reasons behind this contract," Ramírez said, "but for me, staying here is crucial. This is my home and where I want to belong. More importantly, this is where I intend to finish my career."

Ramírez will turn 40 during the 2032 season. By then, he could cement his status as the franchise’s all-time leader in honors. But beyond becoming Cleveland’s leader in WAR, home runs, RBIs, or winning any other awards, he has a more urgent goal in mind.

"The ultimate goal has always been the same: to win a World Series championship," Ramírez emphasized. "So for me, staying here is vital; it’s a commitment to keep competing and to win the World Series."

When Ramírez was a young player, veterans like Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli served as his role models. Now entering his 14th season, Ramírez has become the team’s leader and star, especially for the 2026 season when the Guardians roster will feature many emerging rookies.

The Guardians had a relatively quiet offseason this year. Despite ranking 28th in the league for runs per game last year, the team did not make significant upgrades to the lineup. Management has acknowledged the need to improve the offense while also aiming to give young talent room to develop.

The team explored reinforcement options through trades and free agency to support young hitters. They were interested in re-signing Lane Thomas to strengthen the outfield—which houses most of the team’s rookies—but Thomas ultimately signed with the Kansas City Royals, who promised him regular playing time.

All of this means that Ramírez’s presence is critical for the Guardians’ bid to win their seventh American League Central title in 11 years and possibly achieve even greater goals this season. "For me, helping all the young players is very important because that’s how we compete," Ramírez said. "Making them the best teammates we can have is essential. I see it as my responsibility to do everything I can to help them become the best players."

Ramírez’s contract has a unique structure: an average annual value of $25 million, but with $10 million deferred each season. The deferred payments were part of making the deal happen, and once the team understood Ramírez’s desire to stay and his importance, they actively pushed for the agreement. Baseball operations president Chris Antonetti revealed that owner and CEO Paul Dolan, along with minority owner David Blitzer, were "deeply involved" in the negotiations.

"If there was any chance to make this happen, we were committed to doing it," Antonetti said. "Over the past decade, José has been a central figure in keeping this team competitive. There’s no one more fitting to lead us into the future."

With everything settled, Ramírez may soon hold multiple key franchise records for the Guardians. If he develops as expected over the next seven years, he will be the cornerstone leading the team to its first World Series championship since 1948.

"Some fans of Bob Feller might disagree," Dolan admitted, "but I believe José will become the greatest player in our franchise’s history."