Indians, Ramirez agree to 5-year, $26M extension

The Cleveland Indians have officially agreed to a five-year, $26-million extension with third baseman/outfielder Jose Ramirez.

Following Ramirez's breakout 2016 in which he slashed .312/.363/.462 with 11 home runs, 46 doubles, and 22 stolen bases, the Indians wasted no time locking him up through his arbitration years.

The deal features two team options, for 2022 ($11 million) and 2023 ($13 million). His annual payout increases season-by-season, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

Ramirez is expected to see some time at second base in the absence of Jason Kipnis to start the season, furthering his role as a pillar of versatility. The extension will keep him with the Indians - barring a trade - through his age-30 season, should both team options be exercised.

Initially signing with the Indians in 2009 at age 17, Ramirez was a longtime farmhand who finally made his MLB debut in late 2013. Following the extension, Ramirez expressed his gratitude and his desire to stay with the organization and the city long term.