CLEVELAND, Ohio – In an era of baseball defined by mega-contracts and player movement, José Ramírez continues to defy modern sports convention.

The Guardians’ star third baseman recently added four years and $107 million to his already team-friendly contract, ensuring he’ll likely spend his entire career with one organization — a rarity that feels like the last of its kind.

What makes Ramírez’s commitment to Cleveland extraordinary isn’t just the financial sacrifice — it’s the mindset behind it. While other superstars chase record-breaking deals in bigger markets, Ramírez prioritizes comfort, stability and winning in the city that developed him.

As Terry Pluto explained on the latest Terry’s Talkin’ podcast:

“ ‘I want to be paid. I want to be the highest-paid player on the team, but I want to win and I want to play for where they can leave me alone and I can play ball,’ ” Pluto said, echoing Ramírez’s feelings.

“I mean, that’s really how he looks at it. ‘We win, they leave me alone. I play ball.’ ”

The extension, which includes significant deferred money, brings Ramírez’s total contract value to approximately $272 million—an enormous sum, certainly, but well below what he likely could have commanded on the open market. His agent, defending the deal against industry criticism, put it perfectly: “Jose will walk away from baseball having made $272 million and laughing all the way to Cooperstown.”

That statement encapsulates what makes Ramírez’s decision so remarkable. He’s pursuing a Hall of Fame legacy in Cleveland rather than chasing every last dollar elsewhere. It’s a choice that seems increasingly extinct in professional sports.

Will we ever see something like this happen again in Major League Baseball? The answer is likely no, Pluto said.

The financial incentives to test free agency are simply too great for most players to resist. Agents, who often judge themselves by contract records, typically push their clients toward maximizing earnings. Team-building philosophies have shifted toward shorter commitments. The combination makes Ramírez’s loyalty feel like a throwback to a different era.

What makes Ramírez’s commitment even more valuable is his extraordinary consistency and durability.

“I think he’s missed like 15 games in the last four years total or some crazy thing like that,” Pluto said.

Ramírez even played through a broken bone in his hand one season, refusing to make excuses. His on-field performance continues to defy expectations.

“The last two years are the first times in his career he’s stolen over 40 bases. How does he do that?” Pluto said. “I mean, look at him. He’s not really fast. He doesn’t look fast. I’m not even sure he runs fast. He just steals bases because he’s Jose and he knows how to play.”

When Ramírez celebrated Cleveland’s division title last season, running around with a Guardians flag, his unbridled joy revealed someone who genuinely loves representing his team and city.

“He was just like some kid who won the state title or something. I mean, he was so excited,” Pluto said.

In an age where player movement dominates headlines and fans struggle to keep up with constantly changing rosters, Ramírez stands as a refreshing counter-example — a superstar who found his home and decided to stay there, creating a legacy that will outlast any extra millions he might have earned elsewhere.

Here’s the latest podcast:

If you have a question or a topic you’d like to see included on the podcast, email it to sports@cleveland.com, and put “Terry’s Talkin’” in the subject line.

You can find previous podcasts below.