3 moves for the Cleveland Indians this offseason
By David Hill
Extend Jose Ramirez
Jose Ramirez has established himself as one of the best players in the game. It is time for the Cleveland Indians to pay him like one.
Even as the Indians have been looking to cut payroll, the decision to pick up Ramirez’s option for 2022 was an easy one to make. Likewise, his option for 2023, at just $13 million, is an easy call. He will be a part of the franchise for at least the next two years, barring a trade in the middle of the 2023 season.
A three time All Star, Ramirez has finished in the top three of the AL MVP voting thrice. He has produced an excellent 126 OPS+ over his career, hitting 163 homers and 245 doubles over his 4028 plate appearances while stealing 154 bases. Ramirez has impressed defensively as well, saving 18 runs at third, including ten last season.
That production has caused Ramirez to be a constant figure in trade speculation. It also makes him the type of player that the Indians should look to build around, whether or not they are rebuilding. Despite any mandates to cut salary, he should be a top priority, someone that Cleveland needs to open the checkbook to keep around.
The Cleveland Indians need to keep players that can be part of their future core. Jose Ramirez should be at the top of that list.