The Cleveland Guardians are coming off a pair of AL Central titles and are hoping to take the next step and reach a World Series in 2026. In order to do so, it will require some members of the lineup to take a step forward and provide some thump around Jose Ramirez, who continues to quietly produce as one of the absolute best hitters in baseball.
Through it all, Ramirez has been there every step of the way over the past 13 years and is the last remaining piece from Cleveland’s 2016 AL pennant winner. Hopefully, he can anchor another pennant team sooner rather than later, which is made more likely by his incredibly team-friendly contract.
Ramirez’s seven-year, $141 million contract goes through 2028, and it’s probably around half of what he would be worth if he were on the open market.
During a recent appearance on Central Deportes, Ramirez spoke about the hometown discount in a way he never has before.
“That was ultimately my decision, to take the extension. We went through a year and a half of negotiations, and when I finally signed, I got a significant salary bump. I knew it wasn’t fully reflective of my market value, and plenty of people made sure to point that out. But I’m a veteran, I understand how the game works. Cleveland is a small market team, and they simply can’t pay me what I could command on the open market. So I told them, Let’s find a fair agreement that works for both sides. I spoke directly with the GM. There were real trade discussions and offers from other teams willing to extend me at my full asking price, but my heart was set on staying in Cleveland. First and foremost, my children were born here. My wife feels comfortable in Cleveland and so do I. I owe this city a lot. Since the day I arrived, I’ve never once been booed by these fans. I’ve seen how crowds in other stadiums treat players when results don’t come quickly, and that’s never happened here.”
Jose Ramirez breaks silence on signing below market extension from Guardians;
(Translation by Master Flip)
That was ultimately my decision, to take the extension. We went through a year and a half of negotiations, and when I finally signed, I got a significant salary bump. I… pic.twitter.com/LiwNe56buO
— Master Flip 🇩🇴 (@Masterflip_) January 10, 2026
It’s an incredibly honest take, and it’s heartwarming to hear how much he loves the city of Cleveland. The process between Ramirez and the front office never became publicly contentious when he was negotiating his extension, and he has been nothing but a banner teammate and leader since the day he showed up.
It’s a shame the Guardians don’t back up the Brinks truck more often to get him some help, but that’s clearly not how this organization operates.
You don’t hear players speak like this anymore, as it’s rare for any star to opt not to get every dollar they can out of this career, but Ramirez is a special talent and a special person.
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