ESPN.com · Nov 5, 2021
Cleveland Indians pick up $12M option on 3B Jose Ramirez
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians picked up José Ramírez's $12 million contract option for 2022 on Friday after the All-Star third baseman had another MVP-caliber season.
Ramírez was one of the only bright spots for the team's inconsistent offense. The 29-year-old batted .266 with 36 homers, 103 RBIs and 27 steals in the final year of a team-friendly $26 million, four-year deal.
The Indians, who will be known as the Guardians next season, also declined a $7 million option for catcher Roberto Pérez and hired Chris Valaika as their hitting coach.
Valaika was an assistant hitting coach last season with the Chicago Cubs, working with rookies Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel.