Cleveland operated with a $100 million payroll for 2025, ranking 25th in MLB. José Ramírez leads the team at $21 million annually through his seven-year, $141 million extension that represents one of baseball’s most team-friendly contracts.
The Guardians built their AL Central championship roster through elite player development and cost control. Steven Kwan ($4.2M), Josh Naylor ($12M), and Emmanuel Clase ($10.5M) provide All-Star production at below-market rates while prospects like Tanner Bibee ($800K) fill key roles at league minimum salaries.
Explore Cleveland Guardians player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.
| Position | Player |
| SP | Tanner Bibee |
| SP | Gavin Williams |
| SP | Luis Ortiz |
| SP | Logan Allen |
| SP | Slade Cecconi |
| RP | Emmanuel Clase |
| RP | Cade Smith |
| RP | Hunter Gaddis |
| RP | Paul Sewald |
| RP | Tim Herrin |
| C | Bo Naylor |
| C | Austin Hedges |
| 1B | Carlos Santana |
| 2B | Daniel Schneemann |
| SS | Gabriel Arias |
| 3B | José Ramírez |
| LF | Steven Kwan |
| CF | Lane Thomas |
| RF | Nolan Jones |
| DH | Kyle Manzardo |
José Ramírez Leads Cleveland Guardians Salary Structure
Ramírez earns $21 million in 2025 under his seven-year, $141 million extension signed in April 2022. His salary escalates to $23 million in 2027 and $25 million in 2028 before he reaches free agency at age 35.
Naylor makes $12 million through arbitration representing his final year of team control before free agency. His power bat produced 30+ home runs while costing significantly less than comparable first basemen on the open market.
| Player | Position | 2025 Salary | Contract Through |
| José Ramírez | 3B | $21M | 2028 |
| Josh Naylor | 1B | $12M | Arb-eligible 2026 |
| Emmanuel Clase | RP | $10.5M | 2030 |
| Austin Hedges | C | $4M | 2025 |
| Steven Kwan | OF | $4.2M | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| Tanner Bibee | SP | $800K | Pre-arbitration |
| Andrés Giménez | 2B | $8.2M | 2029 |
| Matthew Boyd | SP | $7M | 2025 |
| Daniel Schneemann | IF/OF | $770K | Pre-arbitration |
| Jhonkensy Noel | DH | $772K | Pre-arbitration |
Clase’s $10.5 million salary runs through 2030 via his five-year, $48 million extension signed in March 2025. The elite closer provides exceptional value with escalators based on Cy Young voting that could increase his earnings.
Guardians Net Worth Through Team-Friendly Contracts
Ramírez accumulated $95 million in career earnings building a $60 million net worth despite taking hometown discounts. His extension added $141 million guaranteed through 2028 at below-market rates for a player of his caliber.
| Player | 2025 Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| José Ramírez | $21M | $95M | $60M | New Balance, Rawlings |
| Josh Naylor | $12M | $22M | $13M | Louisville Slugger |
| Emmanuel Clase | $10.5M | $18M | $11M | Nike |
| Austin Hedges | $4M | $28M | $16M | Rawlings |
| Andrés Giménez | $8.2M | $18M | $10M | Marucci |
| Steven Kwan | $4.2M | $8M | $5M | Under Armour |
Hedges earned $28 million across Texas, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland creating a $16 million net worth. His defensive expertise behind the plate justifies his $4 million salary despite minimal offensive contribution.
Giménez makes $8.2 million annually through his seven-year, $106.5 million extension signed in April 2023. His Gold Glove defense at second base provides elite value through 2029 at escalating salaries.
Pre-Arbitration Stars Drive Cleveland’s Competitive Edge
Bibee earns just $800K while anchoring the rotation with 180+ innings of quality pitching. His pre-arbitration status creates extraordinary value as comparable starters command $8-12 million annually through arbitration or free agency.
Kwan makes $4.2 million after settling his arbitration case. The two-time All-Star’s production would justify $12-15 million annually on the open market but Cleveland’s arbitration strategy keeps costs controlled.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Infield | $41.2M | José Ramírez | $21M |
| Outfield | $8M | Steven Kwan | $4.2M |
| Starting Pitchers | $22M | Matthew Boyd | $7M |
| Bullpen | $22M | Emmanuel Clase | $10.5M |
| Catchers | $4M | Austin Hedges | $4M |
Daniel Schneemann ($770K) and Jhonkensy Noel ($772K) provide roster depth at league minimum salaries. Noel’s power potential makes him one of baseball’s most intriguing young sluggers earning pre-arbitration wages.
Arbitration-Eligible Players Shape Budget Decisions
Cleveland entered the 2025-26 offseason with eight arbitration-eligible players projected to command nearly $20 million collectively. Kwan leads at an estimated $8.8 million for 2026 before reaching free agency in 2027.
Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Sam Hentges combine for approximately $3 million through arbitration settlements. Cleveland’s analytics department evaluates each case carefully, occasionally non-tendering players whose projected salaries exceed perceived value.
The Guardians rarely spend aggressively in free agency, preferring extensions for homegrown talent. Their 2026 payroll projects around $64 million before factoring arbitration settlements and potential free agent additions.
FAQs
Who is Cleveland’s highest-paid player?
José Ramírez earns $21 million annually through his seven-year, $141 million extension running through 2028 with escalators to $25 million in the final year.
What is Steven Kwan’s arbitration salary?
Kwan makes $4.2 million in 2025 through arbitration with one remaining year of eligibility before reaching free agency in 2027 despite All-Star production.
How much does Cleveland spend on their bullpen?
Cleveland allocated $22 million to relievers representing 22% of their $100 million payroll led by closer Emmanuel Clase’s $10.5 million salary through 2030.
Why does Cleveland maintain such a low payroll?
Cleveland operates with mid-market financial constraints at $100 million, ranking 25th in MLB while relying heavily on player development and team-friendly extensions for competitiveness.
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