Part 3/7:
Cleveland's financial strategy further complicates the situation. With a notoriously low payroll relative to other teams, the Guardians' ability to retain their star players is painfully limited. Only one notable exception exists in the form of José Ramírez, whose loyalty remains an anomaly. The talented third baseman signed a significant contract for $141 million over seven years, a deal that many believe is significantly less than what he could have garnered elsewhere. His decision stems not from a lack of desire for financial success, but rather a personal comfort with life in Cleveland—something that, in many ways, underscores the difficulties faced by the organization.