Jose Ramirez turned 33 in September, but he remains one of the most accomplished players in Cleveland baseball history.
With three years remaining on his contract, the window to win a World Series during his prime is closing quickly.
The Guardians reached the ALCS in 2024 but regressed this past season, exiting in the Wild Card round after a quiet offseason.
Their 15.5-game comeback to win the division was impressive, but it does not hang banners or satisfy championship expectations.
To maximize Ramirez’s remaining prime years, the front office must prioritize acquiring high-end talent this offseason rather than relying on internal development alone.
Analyst Andre Knott recently appeared on the Carlos Baerga Show and advocated for Cleveland to pursue an All-Star catcher through trade.
“I think it would take a lot to get Adley Rutschman, but I think we’re at that point. We have to make a trade. You have to make a trade and bring in what you need and not guess,” Knott said.
"You have to bring in what you need and not guess." #GuardsBall@DreKnott & @gabbgoudy don't see #AdleyToCleveland happening, but they're ready to take a swing this offseason. pic.twitter.com/A15yPEYgY6
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) October 9, 2025
Rutschman ranks among baseball’s elite catchers, a former first overall pick who excels defensively and hits from both sides of the plate.
In four years with Baltimore, he has earned two Top 15 MVP finishes, two All-Star selections, and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
After a solid 2024 campaign, his 2025 season was a struggle as injuries limited him to just 90 games.
He hit nine home runs, batted .220, and finished with an OPS under .700 for the first time in his career.
If Rutschman can regain his 2022-23 form, Cleveland would acquire a top-ten player in terms of overall value across baseball.
With Rutschman’s value at its lowest point and only two years of team control remaining, the trade cost could be manageable.
A package including a top prospect like Angel Genao or Ralphy Velazquez, another Top 30 prospect, and players such as Logan Allen or Gabriel Arias could be enough to complete the deal.
NEXT: Former Guardians Manager Urges Team To Address Big Roster Concern
