CLEVELAND -- José Ramírez initially joined the Guardians' organization in November 2009, as a 17-year-old international free-agent signing out of the Dominican Republic. Put another way, he’s spent nearly as much of his life as a member of the franchise as he did outside of it.
“I can call myself a 50-50: 50 percent Dominican, and 50 percent Clevelander,” Ramírez said Thursday through interpreter Agustin Rivero.
Ramírez’s Cleveland pride is fitting; the 33-year-old will almost assuredly spend his entire playing career in Northeast Ohio after the Guardians finalized a seven-year contract extension with him on Thursday. The new deal will span through 2032, which would be Ramírez’s 20th big league season.
Ramírez was under contract through 2028, via the long-term deal he signed in ‘22. So, why an extension now? Ramírez was motivated to secure his future in Cleveland and had his agent, Rafa Nieves, check in with the Guardians about one year ago to begin that process.
“There's a lot of discussions about the nature of this contract and why this contract happened,” Ramírez said. “But for me, it's important to be here. This is where my family is and where I want to be. And most importantly, [it’s] where I look forward to completing my career.”
Ramírez will turn 40 during the 2032 campaign. By that point, he could solidify himself as the most decorated player in team history. But beyond becoming Cleveland’s all-time leader in WAR, home runs, RBIs or earning any other accolade, there is a most pressing goal.
“The ultimate goal remains the same, which is to win the World Series,” Ramírez said. “So for me, it's important to stay here, a commitment to continue to compete and win a World Series.”
When Ramírez was a young player, Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli were among the veteran players whom he looked up to. As he enters his 14th season, Ramírez is now the leader and star whom players turn to, and that will certainly be the case in 2026 -- when Cleveland’s roster is set to include a slew of up-and-comers.
The Guardians have had a bit of a quiet offseason, having not made a substantive addition to their lineup despite ranking 28th in the Majors in runs per game last year. Cleveland’s brass has acknowledged the lineup must be better this season, and the club wants to provide runway for young talent to help.
The Guardians have explored potential additions on the trade and free-agent markets to complement the young hitters. They were interested in reuniting with Lane Thomas to play a role in the outfield -- where much of Cleveland’s up-and-coming talent resides. Thomas ultimately signed with the Royals, who offered him the chance at everyday playing time.
All that is to say Ramírez’s presence will once again be critical for Cleveland this year as it looks to win the AL Central title for the seventh time in the past 11 seasons -- and more.
“For me, it's important to help all the young guys because that's how we're going to compete,” Ramírez said. “It's really important to make them the best teammates that we can. So I think that's my responsibility -- to help them in any way I can to be the best players that they can be.”
Ramírez’s contract is unique; it’s worth $25 million per season but includes $10 million deferred each campaign. The deferrals were one mechanism to help get it done, and the Guardians were motivated to do so upon learning of Ramírez’s interest and given what he’s meant to the franchise.
Both owner and CEO Paul Dolan and minority owner David Blitzer were “very involved” in the discussions, president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said.
“If there was that opportunity to find a way to make it happen, we were all committed to doing that,” Antonetti said. “I think we've seen over the last 10 years, José has been a driving force behind some very competitive baseball.
“There's no one better, no one else we would rather have leading the way in the future other than José.”
When it’s all said and done, Ramírez could stand alone as Cleveland’s all-time franchise leader in myriad key categories. And if things go as the Guardians hope in the next seven years, he’ll be the man who leads them to their first title since 1948.
“There may be a few Bob Feller fans who might argue differently,” Dolan said. “But I think José will [go] down as the greatest player in the history of our franchise.”