The Cleveland Guardians need to figure out what to do with their roster.
The trade deadline is a couple of weeks away, and the team hasn’t looked the part of a contender for a month now.
That’s why some believe it’s time to seriously consider blowing up the roster and moving on from Jose Ramirez.
On paper, the Guardians could land an elite package in return for their superstar infielder.
In reality, that might not be the case, as they don’t necessarily control his destiny.
As pointed out by Aaron Goldhammer of ESPN Cleveland, Ramirez has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he could handpick his destination if the Guardians were to trade him.
“I don’t know that the Guards ever had a player as good as Jose Ramirez in the field in 125 years. To just, ‘Okay, we’re .500, so let’s trade Jose,’ I think is wild. Also, it’s impractical because the guy’s got a no-trade clause. That’s the one thing he’s got. He’s not making nearly what he’s worth, but he does control where he goes and when he goes. I don’t think in his mind, this team is done or cooked or anything. They’re not trading Jose Ramirez,” Goldhammer said.
Would the Guardians actually consider trading Jose Ramirez? @HammerNation19 says it's a HORRIBLE idea…
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/64NY4sZnPQ
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 17, 2025
Ramirez could agree to play for whichever team is willing to give the Guardians the most in a trade, but that’s not a certainty.
If he doesn’t, just floating the idea of trading him might be enough for the team to strain the relationship with one of the greatest players in franchise history.
As things stand, and under these circumstances, it seems like the only way the Guardians could even consider trading Ramirez is if he actually requested it.
Instead, they might be better off figuring out ways to help him and give him the supporting cast he needs.
The Guardians have had a disappointing season, but they’re not that far behind a playoff spot, and they might just be a couple of tweaks away from moving up the standings.
NEXT: Insider Believes Guardians Could Make Surprising Move With Lane Thomas
