José Ramírez – Cleveland Guardians Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

José Ramírez stands out as one of baseball’s most consistent stars with the Cleveland Guardians. The talented third baseman brings power at the plate and sharp defense, making him a franchise cornerstone.

Ramírez’s financial standing sits around an estimated net worth of $8-10 million, thanks in large part to his seven-year, $141 million contract extension with the Guardians in 2022.

His journey to baseball stardom? Definitely not a given. Born in the Dominican Republic, Ramírez climbed through Cleveland’s farm system before becoming a multiple-time All-Star.

His contract shows how much the team values him and cements his place in Major League Baseball. The deal keeps him in Cleveland through the latter part of his prime.

What really separates Ramírez isn’t just his impressive contract or his growing net worth. It’s his steady production on the field.

Few players can match his blend of power, speed, and defense at third base. The Guardians saw that rare talent and made him one of the highest-paid third basemen in the game.

Early Life and Baseball Journey

José Ramírez’s path to the big leagues started in humble circumstances in the Dominican Republic. His natural talent and relentless drive set him on a wild, remarkable journey to becoming one of the Guardians’ most valuable players.

Background and Family

José Ramírez was born on September 17, 1992, in Baní, Dominican Republic. He grew up with few resources, where baseball was more than a game—it was a way out.

Like so many Dominican kids, Ramírez played baseball however he could—sometimes with bottle caps for balls and tree branches for bats.

His family supported his baseball dreams, even when money was tight. Details about his parents aren’t widely known, but their influence clearly shaped his work ethic and resilience.

Ramírez often credits his upbringing for his toughness. Those early days in Baní forged the competitive fire that defines him in Cleveland.

Amateur Career and Development

As a teenager, Ramírez flashed serious talent that quickly caught scouts’ attention. Unlike many Dominican prospects, he developed his skills mostly through informal games and local competition, not fancy academies.

He showed off his switch-hitting ability early, with great hand-eye coordination and bat speed from both sides. At just 5’9″, Ramírez didn’t look intimidating, but scouts noticed his quick hands, bat control, and baseball smarts.

By 16, he stood out as a real pro prospect despite his size. He already played multiple infield positions, showing off surprising arm strength and instincts.

Cleveland’s scouts found Ramírez at regional showcases, watching him outplay bigger, flashier prospects with his technique and intelligence.

Transition to Professional Baseball

The Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) signed Ramírez as an international free agent in 2009 when he was only 17. They gave him a $50,000 signing bonus—honestly, one of baseball’s best bargains ever.

Ramírez started his pro career in the Dominican Summer League, then quickly moved to the U.S. minor leagues. His first stop was the Arizona League Indians in 2011, where he hit an impressive .325.

He moved up the farm system at a rapid pace. By 2012, he reached Double-A at just 19.

Throughout the minors, Ramírez showed off his contact skills and his ability to play all over the infield.

On September 1, 2013, Ramírez made his MLB debut in Cleveland at 20. He started as a utility player, but this was the beginning of what would become an outstanding career in Ohio with the Cleveland organization.

Professional Career Highlights

Since joining the Cleveland Guardians, José Ramírez has become one of MLB’s most reliable and talented infielders. He went from a young prospect to the face of the franchise, picking up multiple All-Star nods, Silver Slugger awards, and MVP-caliber seasons along the way.

MLB Debut and Rise with the Cleveland Guardians

Ramírez got his MLB call-up on September 1, 2013, debuting as a 20-year-old shortstop. Early on, he bounced around the diamond—shortstop, second base, even outfield—before finally settling at third base in 2016 after Francisco Lindor locked down shortstop.

The 2016 season really put Ramírez on the map. He hit .312 with 11 home runs and 76 RBIs, helping Cleveland reach the World Series and establishing himself as a core player.

By 2017, Ramírez was a key part of Cleveland’s core. He earned his first All-Star selection and finished third in MVP voting after launching 29 home runs, driving in 83 runs, and swiping 17 bases. His rise lined up with Cleveland’s dominance in the AL Central.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Ramírez’s trophy case includes:

• All-Star selections: 4 (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
• Silver Slugger Awards: 3 (2017, 2018, 2020)
• MVP voting: Top-6 finish in five different seasons

His 2018 season might be his best—39 home runs, 105 RBIs, and 34 stolen bases with a .939 OPS. That 30-30 season (30+ home runs and 30+ steals) really showed off his rare blend of power and speed.

In 2022, Ramírez doubled down on his commitment to Cleveland, signing a 7-year, $141 million contract extension and turning down bigger offers from other teams.

Even in 2023, dealing with injuries, he hit 24 home runs with 80 RBIs. He just keeps producing.

World Series Appearances

Ramírez played a big part in Cleveland’s 2016 World Series run, his first full MLB season. Against the Chicago Cubs, he hit .310 in a wild seven-game series that Cleveland lost in extra innings of Game 7.

During that postseason, Ramírez batted .297 with 5 RBIs across 15 games. He came up clutch with key hits against Boston in the ALDS and Toronto in the ALCS.

Cleveland hasn’t made it back to the World Series since 2016, despite Ramírez’s steady excellence. The team has run into tough playoff losses against the Yankees (2017) and Twins (2023).

Ramírez has kept up strong postseason numbers with a career .269 average and 12 RBIs in 21 playoff games. He just seems to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

Statistical Performance and Impact

José Ramírez has built a reputation as one of MLB’s elite players through steady, impressive stats. His numbers tell the story of a complete player who impacts every part of the game and rarely misses time.

Offensive Statistics: WAR, RBI, and Strikeouts

Ramírez’s offensive numbers put him among baseball’s most valuable players. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) often tops 6.0, which is huge for the Guardians. From 2016 to 2024, he racked up over 45 WAR, making him one of the most productive players of his era.

He also drives in runs at a high clip. Ramírez has posted multiple 100+ RBI seasons, including a career-best 124 RBIs in 2022.

Even when Cleveland’s lineup isn’t stacked, he finds ways to produce.

Ramírez stands out for his contact rate. For a power hitter, he hardly ever strikes out—usually below 15%, while the league average is more like 23%. That kind of bat control lets him stay productive, even during rough patches.

Defensive Skills as a Third Baseman

At third base, Ramírez brings a steady glove and better-than-average range. He might not get mentioned with Nolan Arenado or Matt Chapman, but his defensive metrics are solid.

His Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) numbers usually land in positive territory. He adds value with his versatility, having played second base and even shortstop earlier in his career.

Ramírez’s arm at third base is strong enough to make tough throws across the diamond. Quick reflexes help him handle rockets down the line, and his baseball IQ means he’s always in the right spot.

Comparisons with Peers

Compared to other top third basemen like Rafael Devers, Austin Riley, and Anthony Rendon, Ramírez stands out for his well-rounded offensive game. Power, contact, baserunning—he does it all.

Among all active players, Ramírez’s power-speed combo puts him in rare company. Since 2016, he’s posted multiple 20/20 seasons (homers and steals), a feat only a few, like Christian Yelich, have matched.

What really sets Ramírez apart is his consistency. While some stars like Carlos Correa or Willy Adames go through ups and downs, Ramírez just keeps delivering, year after year.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

José Ramírez has become one of baseball’s elite third basemen, and his contracts show just how much the Cleveland Guardians value him. The deals include big guaranteed money and special clauses that shape his future in the league.

Current Contract Structure and Salary

José Ramírez currently plays under a 7-year, $141 million contract with the Cleveland Guardians. The deal is fully guaranteed, with an average salary of about $20.14 million per year.

Before this big deal, Ramírez signed a five-year extension worth $26 million in 2017. That jump shows just how much his value soared as he blossomed into an All-Star.

The Guardians structured his contract to give the team some financial stability while locking up their franchise player through his best years.

Career Earnings and Net Worth

As of May 2025, estimates put José Ramírez’s net worth at about $10 million. That figure includes his MLB earnings, endorsement deals, and investments.

Ramírez’s career has been a story of financial growth. From his early days in the Dominican Republic to becoming one of Cleveland’s highest-paid players, he’s built real wealth through baseball.

On top of his salary, Ramírez earns more through endorsements with major brands. He might not be a national advertising star yet, but his marketability keeps climbing with every strong season in Cleveland.

Reports say he’s made smart investments in the U.S. and back home in the Dominican Republic, focusing on real estate and business ventures.

No-Trade Clause and Free Agency Prospects

Ramírez’s current contract actually includes a full no-trade clause. That means he holds all the cards—if the Guardians want to trade him, he can just say no.

This clause came into the spotlight when rumors swirled about teams like Washington and Kansas City sniffing around at the trade deadline. Even with all the speculation, Ramírez has made it clear: he wants to stay in Cleveland.

He’ll hit free agency in his mid-30s. That timing could affect how much his next deal is worth.

Some analysts think his performance in the next couple of seasons will decide if he lands another big, long-term contract or ends up taking shorter deals with teams chasing a title.

The Guardians’ front office has said more than once that they plan to keep Ramírez as the heart of their lineup.

Accolades, Injuries, and Legacy

José Ramírez has really made a name for himself as one of the top third basemen in Major League Baseball. He’s picked up a bunch of awards and pushed through injuries that could’ve easily knocked him off course.

His steady play has put him on a possible Hall of Fame path, though nothing’s guaranteed.

Honors and Awards

Ramírez has stacked up some serious achievements with the Cleveland Guardians. He’s made the All-Star Game multiple times, starting in 2017 and showing up pretty regularly since then.

His resume includes:

• 4× All-Star (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
• 3× Silver Slugger Award winner
• 2× American League MVP finalist (2017, 2020)
• Top-3 MVP voting finishes in three different seasons

What’s wild is that Ramírez has done all this in a smaller market. He’s never jumped ship for a bigger team like Manny Machado; instead, he’s spent his whole career with the Guardians and become the face of the franchise.

Injury History and Its Effects

Ramírez has shown more durability than some of his peers, like Fernando Tatis Jr., but he hasn’t dodged every bullet. In 2019, he fractured the hamate bone in his right hand. That injury needed surgery and forced him to miss some crucial games late in the season.

His power numbers dipped for a bit after that. Still, he bounced back faster than most expected.

He’s played through all sorts of minor injuries—thumb problems, leg issues, you name it. While a lot of today’s stars take long recovery breaks, Ramírez usually tries to tough it out and stay in the lineup. That approach has definitely earned him respect in the clubhouse and among fans.

Hall of Fame Candidacy

Right now, Ramírez looks like he’s carving out a pretty strong Hall of Fame case. You just don’t see many third basemen with his mix of power, speed, and defense.

By 2025, he’s racked up:

• Over 250 home runs
• More than 200 stolen bases
• An OPS+ that’s stuck above 130
• Defense at third that honestly deserves Gold Glove chatter

Baseball analysts keep highlighting Ramírez’s well-rounded game, and honestly, that’s what really sets him apart. Not many third basemen in MLB history can claim his blend of power, contact, and baserunning.

Still, questions about his longevity and postseason resume linger. Sure, his estimated net worth of around $8 million shows how much Cleveland values him, but a World Series win would make his legacy a lot tougher to ignore.