A Quick Look at Where The Guardians Roster Is Heading Into 2026 - Part 2 - Who Should Be Extended

This is a short list and, therefore, a short post.

Steven Kwan - Although they could easily trade Kwan and I wouldn't be overly distraught...assuming they got a good return, I would rather they extend him.  That being said, if Kwan totally refuses to discuss an extension, he needs to be moved to the trade list immediately.  Again, Kwan is not THE guy but he is A guy in this lineup and, enough 'guys' does a lineup make.

Cade Smith - Relievers are really tricky as they have off years and get hurt.  However, I believe the Guardians need to set precedents and, frankly, we are looking at a salary floor in the next collective bargaining agreement and so getting Smith (and others) signed before then means they are signed before players have that leverage of knowing their extension might be necessary to push a team above the floor.  So, sign me up for a Cade Smith extension.  He has earning it so let's get a 5 year deal done with him.

Gavin Williams - Ditto for what I said about Smith.  The Bibee extension looked like a bad one until the end of last year so this is more of get some rotation stability signing that hope for proportionately better results with high salary signing.  

Jose Ramirez - OK, I know, we have him signed to an extension right now.  What my dream would be would be to extend his contract 3 more years @ $33 MM a year with some significant incentive clauses as he sets more and more club records and gets more national accolades.  This shows him that we care about him and reads into him saying that his next contract will NOT be a team friendly contract. Hey, no way do I think he will be worth $33 MM a year in those 3 years but keeping him through the end of his career is as important a business decision, long term, as competing longterm, IMO.  Anyone who has been outside Busch Stadium in St. Louis and has seen all those statues knows how important it is to keep Jose here for his entire career.  Plus, like the other guys above, it will help with the salary floor in those years.

That's it.  That's all I want from the Guardians for Christmas, these 4 extensions.