Guardians Secure José Ramírez Through 2032, Shift to In‑House Bats to Address Offense

Overview

• The All-Star third baseman signed a seven-year extension announced Jan. 29, keeping him with Cleveland through 2032 after a 2025 MVP-finalist season (.863 OPS, 30 HR).
• Cleveland finished 2025 near the bottom offensively, including second-to-last in OPS and runs with an AL-worst 87 wRC+.
• Team payroll is projected around $78 million, with roughly $7 million possibly removed if MLB issues further penalties involving Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
• President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti says improvement will come from within, pointing to prospects such as Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Travis Bazzana and Juan Brito.
• With few free agents left and trades tougher as spring approaches in Goodyear, analysts contend the Guardians still need a proven middle-of-the-order bat to support Ramírez.