The most surprising move the Cleveland Guardians made this offseason was signing Jose Ramirez to a fresh seven-year contract extension, keeping him with the organization through the 2032 season.
Cleveland didn’t need to sign Ramirez to a new contract, considering he was under team control through 2027, but it did anyway to give itself and their superstar security for almost the next decade.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow that the Guardians know Ramirez is almost certain to end his career in Cleveland, what would their next moves be?
What Next For The Guardians? Get Jose Ramirez Some Help.The Guardians’ next step after signing Ramirez to this extension couldn’t be clearer: they need to get their superstar more proven help in the lineup.
Ramirez was an MVP finalist again in 2025, after logging a .863 OPS, including 30 home runs.
Still, the Guardians ranked second-to-last in MLB with a .669 OPS, scored the second-fewest runs, and recorded the second-worst batting average in MLB. Overall, Cleveland's wRC+ of 87 from a year agowas the worst in the American League.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Guardians did get back in the playoffs, but it’s hard to imagine where they would be without Ramirez’s bat in the lineup.
Aug 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) reacts after grounding out during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesThe front office has admitted that the offense simply wasn’t good enough a year ago, but there have been no meaningful upgrades from external hitters to improve on that.
Instead, Chris Antonetti has insisted from the beginning of the offseason that Cleveland’s young core will help take the team to the next level.
Maybe some of the young bats Cleveland needs to find a way to get Ramirez some help if it wants to win a World Series.
There could be a world where Chase DeLauter looks like an All-Star in his rookie season, and George Valera ends up hitting 20 or more home runs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut in the end, that’s too big a risk to take with Ramirez not getting any younger and still playing like one of the best players in the sport.
Cleveland is running out of free agent options, and a trade may only become more difficult to pull as Spring Training nears.
However, the Guardians must find a way to add an accomplished, proven bat to help Ramirez get some support in the lineup.
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