José Ramírez will get final payment from Guardians in 2051 under $175 million, 10-year contract

Cleveland’s José Ramírez Secures $175 Million Extension with Unique Deferred Payment Structure

José Ramírez has committed his long-term future to Cleveland, finalizing a $175 million, seven-year contract extension with the Guardians that includes an innovative payment structure stretching nearly three decades into the future.

The deal, announced Friday, ensures the seven-time All-Star third baseman will likely finish his career with the only major league organization he has ever known. The extension includes annual salaries of $25 million, with $10 million from each year being deferred in a structure rarely seen in baseball contracts.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ramírez’s deferred money from each season will be distributed in 10 equal installments beginning in the 10th year after it was earned. This means payments from his 2026 salary will be made from 2036-45, while money earned in 2032 won’t be fully paid until 2051, when Ramírez will be 58 years old.

The contract also includes premium perks, including a full no-trade clause and a guaranteed hotel suite during road trips, underscoring Ramírez’s importance to the organization.

This new agreement effectively replaces the remainder of his previous contract, a $141 million, seven-year deal signed in 2022. Ramírez had $69 million remaining on that contract, including $21 million this year, $23 million in 2027, and $25 million in 2028.

At 33, the Dominican Republic native has established himself as one of baseball’s most dynamic players. Last season, he demonstrated his rare combination of power and speed, stealing a career-high 44 bases while maintaining his power stroke. This achievement placed him in elite company, making him just the fourth player in MLB history with multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

Industry analysts note that deferred compensation structures like Ramírez’s have become more common as teams seek to maintain roster flexibility while still securing elite talent. By deferring $10 million annually, the Guardians gain immediate payroll flexibility that could help them build a more competitive roster around their franchise cornerstone.

The extension reflects Cleveland’s commitment to maintaining continuity with Ramírez, who has been the face of the franchise through its transition from the Indians to the Guardians. Since making his MLB debut in 2013, Ramírez has developed from an unheralded prospect into one of baseball’s most consistent performers, batting .283 last season while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base.

For Cleveland, a mid-market team that has often seen homegrown stars depart for larger markets, securing Ramírez represents a significant statement to the fanbase about the organization’s competitive ambitions. The Guardians have consistently remained competitive in the AL Central despite operating with payroll constraints that larger market teams don’t face.

Financial experts point out that deferred payment structures also provide players with long-term financial security while potentially offering tax advantages, depending on future tax code developments and the player’s state of residence during the payment period.

With this extension, Ramírez joins a select group of Cleveland legends who spent the majority or entirety of their careers with the franchise, following in the footsteps of players like Bob Feller and Jim Thome as cornerstones of the organization.

The deal also sets a new benchmark for future negotiations between the Guardians and their developing young talent, establishing both the organization’s willingness to invest in cornerstone players and their preference for creative contract structures that balance immediate competitive needs with long-term financial planning.