José Ramírez re-upped with the Cleveland Guardians on January 29, 2026, signing a seven-year extension worth $175 million guaranteed that keeps him in Cleveland through the 2032 season. The deal cements the Dominican third baseman as the long-term cornerstone of the franchise — and shuts the door on any near-term departure.
The Contract at a Glance
- Team: Cleveland Guardians
- Signed: January 29, 2026
- Length: 7 years (2026–2032)
- Total guaranteed value: $175 million
- Average annual value: $25 million
- 2026 salary: $25 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The extension adds four years onto the previous deal Ramírez had with Cleveland, paying him a flat $25 million per season for the full run. On top of the base salary, the contract includes MVP vote bonuses, private flights on road trips, and an extra hotel room — perks that reflect his standing within the organization.
Not all of that money arrives right away: $10 million per season is deferred interest-free, a common structure in long-term deals that lowers the team’s immediate payroll hit.
The Fine Print
Ramírez holds a full no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any trade attempt. As a 100% guaranteed contract under MLB rules, Cleveland is on the hook for every dollar regardless of injury, performance, or roster changes. There are no opt-outs on either side — both parties are locked in through 2032.
Where He Ranks Among MLB’s Highest-Paid Players
- 2026 salary ranking: #38 overall
- Rankings based on total guaranteed value, before deferred money adjustments. Source: Spotrac and Baseball-Reference as of August 11, 2026.
At $25 million in 2026, Ramírez sits 38th on the MLB salary list for the season. He’s not at the very top, but this contract is about more than annual dollars — it’s a seven-year vote of confidence from a franchise that would rather keep its captain than test the open market.
His Full Contract History With Cleveland
- 2013: International signing with Cleveland Indians — terms not disclosed
- 2017–2021: Extension with Cleveland Indians — $26 million
- 2022–2028: Extension with Cleveland Guardians — $141 million (replaced by current deal)
- 2026–2032: Current extension — $175 million
Ramírez signed his first extension in 2017 for $26 million, locking him in through 2021. By 2022, established as one of the best third basemen in the game, he signed a $141 million extension covering through 2028. The new 2026 deal replaces that contract and tacks on four additional years.
Add it all up across his three major contracts and Ramírez has signed for $342 million with the same organization — a remarkable testament to his value and Cleveland’s commitment to building around him.
Career Earnings
Counting all contracts signed: $342 million guaranteed. Figures reflect MLB salaries only — base pay, signing bonuses, and earned bonuses. Endorsements and earnings from leagues outside the United States are not included.
