Report: Guardians, Ramirez exchange contract proposals
With an Opening Day deadline to reach a deal approaching, the Cleveland Guardians and All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez have exchanged proposals on a possible contract extension, sources told The Athletic's Zack Meisel.
Cleveland is prepared to sign Ramirez to a pact that would very likely more than double the largest in franchise history - a three-year, $60-million deal given to Edwin Encarnacion in 2017, Meisel adds.
Matt Olson's eight-year, $168-million extension has been mentioned during negotiations, sources told Meisel. Ramirez is currently set to earn $12 million this season. He also has a $14-million team option for 2023.
Ramirez has been involved in trade rumors this offseason, with the Toronto Blue Jays reportedly showing interest. However, Ramirez, as well as those close to him, has expressed that he's content to remain in Cleveland for the rest of his career, per Meisel.
The 29-year-old Ramirez has emerged as one of baseball's best position players. He ranks behind only Mike Trout and Mookie Betts in FanGraphs' WAR among position players since 2017.
The switch-hitter authored another strong season in 2021, hitting .266/.355/.538 with 36 home runs, 111 runs scored, 103 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases in 152 games.
Over the past few seasons, fellow All-Star third basemen Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado, and Anthony Rendon have all inked long-term contracts for at least $200 million.
Ramirez is a three-time Silver Slugger. He also finished as an AL MVP finalist in 2017, 2018, and 2020.