Jose Ramirez is signing a five-year, $124 million dollar extension to stay in Cleveland with the Guardians, per Jeff Passan.

While the Cleveland Guardians endured a very unproductive offseason, superstar Jose Ramirez has seen his number in a plethora of headlines. Teams such as the Blue Jays and Padres have been rumored as potential landing destinations via trade for the third baseman. But Ramirez had also been linked to a contract extension with Cleveland. 

And according to MLB insider Hector Gomez, he may prefer staying with the Guardians. 

Cleveland finished 80-82 a season ago despite a myriad of injuries. Guardians fans felt as if the team was a few pieces away from rebuilding a competitive roster after trading Francisco Lindor last offseason. However, the Guardians front office made zero high-profile moves during the winter. 

The only signings they did make included catcher Luke Maile and veteran reliever Bryan Shaw. Maile was penciled in as the backup catcher before suffering an injury in Spring Training. Shaw figures to play a role in the bullpen this season, but he is far from the pitcher he once was. 

All of this led to criticism of the front office for being unwilling to spend money to build a competitive roster. But this Jose Ramirez extension certainly will help fans feel more content heading into the 2022 campaign. 

The Guardians and Ramirez reportedly were working on a deal last week before it fell through. But Ramirez’s desire to stay in Cleveland must have re-upped the extension talks. 

It will be interesting to see if Cleveland can contend and build a winner around their star third baseman this season. Perhaps a Shane Bieber extension may be next?

For now, Guardians fans will enjoy the news of Cleveland finally dishing out some money to Jose Ramirez.