The Major League Baseball offseason for 2025-26 is still underway as teams prepare for the upcoming spring training. Despite the late stage, several high-profile free agents and trade possibilities remain, with rumors emerging daily. Here’s a brief update from Saturday’s offseason activity.
The Cleveland Guardians are close to securing a contract extension with star player Jose Ramirez, according to reports from Hector Gomez and Jon Heyman. Ramirez, currently 33 years old, is playing under a seven-year, $141 million deal through 2028. The new extension would stretch through the 2032 season, adding $106 million to his contract, with $70 million reportedly deferred.
Ramirez is expected to have another strong season in 2025, having played 158 games in Cleveland last year with a 137 OPS+, 30 home runs, and 44 stolen bases while primarily playing third base. Known for his consistent excellence, Ramirez has ranked in the top 10 of American League MVP voting six years in a row, and eight of the last nine years. His career WAR of 57.6 is fifth-best in Guardians franchise history.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have been interested in trading for shortstop CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals, who are re-evaluating their roster under new management. The Giants showed willingness to include one of their top prospects, Josuaar Gonzalez, in the deal, but the Nationals were not receptive, according to The Athletic. With the Giants already having Willie Adames at shortstop under a long-term contract, a position switch for Abrams might have been contemplated, but for now, a trade seems unlikely.
Fan Take: Jose Ramirez’s potential extension is a big win for Guardians fans, signaling the team’s commitment to retaining one of their franchise’s all-time great players. Meanwhile, the stalled Abrams trade highlights how roster decisions and prospect valuations will continue to shape team strategies as the offseason winds down, keeping baseball fans engaged and guessing.
