Photo Credit: Ken Blaze / Imagn Images
***
What spectacular news to learn that Gold Glover, Silver Slugger, All-Star 3rd baseman (and likely future Hall of Famer) Jose Ramirez, 33, agreed to a lucrative contract extension with the Guardians, which will pay him $25 million a year ($175 million) for seven seasons. He’ll be 39 when his contract is up, practically guaranteeing he’ll remain in Cleveland for the rest of his career.
The deal additionally includes a no-trade clause and bonuses for winning or finishing in the top five in MVP voting.
I just hope that the Guardians make good on their promise to “Hosey” to surround him with additional talent and playoff caliber teammates; and are not doing this simply to keep fans filling Progressive Field to catch a glimpse of the superstar third baseman and to snatch a Jose Ramirez bobblehead on promotion Saturday.
The Cleveland Guardians have made the playoffs two times in the last three seasons, but haven’t been to a World Series since 2016.
Going on the cheap only goes so far.
In the AL Central, the division leading Tigers will be back strong; and the KC Royals are projected to have a better season in 2026.
The Guardians have a projected 2026 total payroll of approximately $82 million, ranking them among the bottom teams in MLB for total payroll.
As talented and productive as Ramirez is, the team needs appreciably more talent if they hope to advance beyond the Wild Card round and ALDS.
José Ramírez’s postseason stats aren’t exactly stellar: he sports a career postseason batting average of .240, with 4 home runs, 19 RBIs, and 40 hits in 45 games played. His career postseason OPS is .692, lower than his regular season performance–primarily because opposing pitchers don’t give him much to hit and can focus their attention on the less productive hitters in the Guardians lineup.
J-Ram and Cleveland Guardian fans deserve better.
-Bill Lucey
WPLucey@gmail.com
January 24, 2026
Leave a Reply