The Cleveland Guardians have secured the long-term services of their star third baseman, Jose Ramirez, who recently signed a contract extension despite having three years remaining on his current deal. This agreement positions Ramirez to likely remain with the Guardians for the remainder of his career, underscoring his commitment to the team and the city of Cleveland.
In a podcast interview with MLB insider Mike Rodriguez three years ago, Ramirez shared his motivations for staying with the Guardians. He emphasized that his family’s comfort in Cleveland was more important than monetary gain, stating, “I want to be happy, not have a lot of money.” His daughters were born in the city, and he expressed a deep sense of belonging, suggesting that the potential for a lucrative contract elsewhere—over $200 million—could not compete with the happiness he finds in Cleveland.
Ramirez’s dedication to the Guardians is particularly noteworthy given the organization’s mixed performance during his tenure. Since becoming an everyday player in 2016 at the age of 23, Ramirez has established himself as one of baseball’s premier third basemen. He finished third in MVP voting and won the Silver Slugger award in both 2017 and 2018. Furthermore, he has consistently been recognized, finishing in the top ten for MVP voting for six consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2025, and accumulating a total of six Silver Slugger awards.
Despite Ramirez’s individual success, the Guardians have struggled to build a competitive team around him. They have made only one World Series appearance during his thirteen seasons, suffering a heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Since then, the team’s playoff performance has been disappointing, with a record of 6-17.
As the Guardians enter the 2026 season, they are fielding a roster that closely resembles that of 2025, with only minor adjustments. After narrowly clinching the American League Central division title over the Detroit Tigers, the team faces a challenging path ahead. Their divisional rivals, including the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Minnesota Twins, have made limited moves that could alter the competitive landscape.
While Ramirez is expected to deliver another MVP-caliber performance, the Guardians’ failure to significantly enhance their roster during the offseason raises questions about their ambitions for the upcoming season. Last year, at the trade deadline, they were primarily sellers, trading Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Khal Stephen. This trend of limited activity could hinder their ability to contend for a World Series title, a goal that Ramirez surely shares.
In summary, Jose Ramirez remains a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians, exemplifying loyalty in a sport where financial incentives often take precedence. As he looks to further his legacy in Cleveland, the team faces critical decisions that will determine their competitiveness in the years to come.
