Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune talked to Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who hopes to finish his career with the team. He already displayed loyalty by leaving significant money on the table to re-sign in November of 2006.
It should be noted, though, that Ramirez became a free agent in ’06 because he opted out of a contract that had three years and $33.5MM left on it (assuming 270 games played in 2007-08).
Ramirez’s current contract could potentially run through 2012, but the new deal has an opt-out clause as well. Ramirez can void his contract after 2010, if he thinks he can beat $14.6MM in 2011 and a $16MM club option/$2MM buyout for 2012. He’s probably going to opt out or renegotiate if he thinks he’s worth more than a one-year, $16.6MM deal after 2010. He’ll be 32 at that time.
