Tom Chieppo
According to ESPN.com Jeff Passan, Jose Ramirez has signed a five-year extension to stay with the Cleveland Guardians on a 124 million dollar deal with a full no-trade clause, and the club option was also picked up as well for 2023 giving Ramirez 150 million guaranteed.
The Guardians have their offensive juggernaut back in the middle of their order. Ramirez tallied a total of 103 RBIs and crushed 32 homers last season. In the 2018 season, Ramirez netted his highest marks ever with 39 dingers, and 105 RBIs.
What can Jose Ramirez add to the Guardians lineup?
● A strong presence where it’s going to be difficult to pitch around him.
● Furthermore, a player who is on the verge of getting 2,000 total bases with 1,777.
● Ramirez can score at will, and he has 607 runs scored with 540 RBIs.
● Moreover, Ramirez isn’t afraid to draw walks as well. Out of nine seasons, Jose has forced 404 base on balls and collected a career-high in walks with 106 back in 2018.
● Yes, Ramirez I feel is the leader and cornerstone of the Guardians going forward. I also consider Jose as a mentor to Amed Rosario at shortstop. With Ramirez at third base turning the corner, I can see both of these talents converting on many double plays.
● Ramirez has knowledge of playing second base, third base, and shortstop with a 96.7 fielding percentage in his entire career.
● With that being said, you know Ramirez can rake. Jose has 163 home runs, is a three-time all-star and Silver Slugger Award Winner. Back in the 2017 season, Ramirez led the American League in doubles with 56.
● In my estimation, Terry Francona wanted Ramirez to stay and be a part of the Cleveland Guardians club going forward. I think both of them have a passion for winning baseball, and to me, this was an enormous win for the Cleveland Guardians getting their young 29-year old talent back. The Guardians are a young club.
● The Cleveland Guardians are searching for that identity and bringing back Ramirez has certainly given a lot of their fans hope to get back into the postseason. Likewise, I can see the Guardians being a ”Dark Horse” in all of baseball because Ramirez is one of the best third basemen in all of the sport.
To conclude, the Cleveland Guardians will have a four-game set to begin their regular season against the Kansas City Royals starting at 4:10 pm. Will Ramirez start off the season with a bang?
Find out tomorrow afternoon as Opening Day is finally upon us. Stats are from baseball-reference.com, and MLB.com.