Guardians Sign Jose Ramirez to 7-Year, $175 Million Deal

Cleveland locks up star third baseman through 2033 season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:18pm

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The Cleveland Guardians have agreed to a 7-year, $175 million contract extension with star third baseman Jose Ramirez, keeping him with the team through the 2033 season. The deal comes as a surprise as Ramirez had 3 years left on his previous contract, but the Guardians wanted to secure their franchise player long-term.

Why it matters

Ramirez has been a cornerstone of the Guardians' success over the past decade, making 6 top-5 MVP finishes. Locking him up long-term sends a strong message that the team is committed to building around him as they look to build on their recent AL Central division titles.

The details

The new contract not only gives Ramirez a $25 million average annual salary, but also includes a no-trade clause and bonuses tied to his performance in the MVP race. Ramirez, 33, is coming off a 2025 season where he hit .283 with a 21-game hit streak, and became the first player in Guardians history to reach 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases with the team, an elite feat achieved by only 3 other MLB players.

  • The Guardians and Ramirez agreed to the 7-year, $175 million contract extension on April 11, 2026.
  • Ramirez's previous contract had 3 years remaining, which would have paid him $69 million.

The players

Jose Ramirez

A 33-year-old star third baseman who has been a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians for the past decade, making 6 top-5 MVP finishes.

Cleveland Guardians

The Major League Baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that has won the AL Central division for the past 2 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Locking up Jose Ramirez long-term was a top priority for us. He's been an integral part of our success and we're thrilled to have him as the centerpiece of our team for years to come.”

— Chris Antonetti, President of Baseball Operations, Cleveland Guardians

What’s next

The Guardians will look to build on their recent division titles with Ramirez as the centerpiece of their lineup. Fans and analysts will closely watch to see if this massive contract extension pays off in the long run for the franchise.

The takeaway

This deal demonstrates the Guardians' commitment to keeping their star player in Cleveland and building around him as they aim to compete for championships. It's a high-stakes gamble, but one that signals the team's belief in Ramirez's continued excellence and leadership.