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Guardians Make Jose Ramirez Decision After One Missed Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 3:10 PM ET

Longest-tenured active Cleveland Guardian, third baseman Jose Ramirez, is in his 13th major-league season after debuting with the team in 2013. Over more than a decade, he’s become a franchise legend in Cleveland, anchoring the lineup and leading them consistently to the postseason.

Ramirez has cemented his status by signing the largest contract extension in franchise history—a seven-year, $141 million extension signed in 2022. The deal ensures he remains a Guardian through at least the 2028 season, providing him with financial security and leadership continuity for the organization.

Ramirez has finished in the top ten of MVP voting and been an All-Star each of the last four seasons. His consistent excellence makes his current contract feel like a hometown discount, one designed to keep him in Cleveland for the remainder of his career.

During Thursday's 6–0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Ramirez was drilled on the right forearm in the bottom of the fourth inning. He departed the game shortly after, but X-rays came back negative.

After sitting out Friday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ramirez is back in the lineup today, batting third and playing third base.

Second game on deck.#GuardsBall | #VoteGuards pic.twitter.com/SS7VWp5d8S
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 28, 2025

This season, Ramirez has once again dominated at the plate and is on track for a fifth straight All-Star appearance. He currently leads all qualified American League third basemen in OPS, stolen bases, and most key offensive categories by a wide margin.

Through 77 games, Ramirez is hitting .317 with an .892 OPS—both marks above his career averages, a testament to his growth entering age 32. He’s also slugged 13 home runs, driven in 38 runs, and swiped 21 bags.

Cleveland’s lineup has failed to score in its last two matchups, amplifying the need for Ramirez’s bat. Every remaining game is pivotal: the Guardians sit 9.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and are 1.5 games out of a wild-card berth entering Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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