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Red Sox Still Paying Manny Ramirez 15 Years Later

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 22:36 GMT by Sporting News

The Lingering Legacy: Red Sox Still Paying Manny Ramirez While Dodgers Welcome Ohtani in 2026

Fifteen years. Fifteen years since Manny Ramirez last donned a Boston Red Sox uniform. Yet, the team's financial obligations to the slugger continue, a testament to the intricacies and sometimes baffling nature of professional sports contracts. As of January 10th, 2026, the Red Sox are still reportedly paying Manny Ramirez a staggering $20 million annually, a sum that has drawn considerable attention and sparked discussions around contract clauses and long-term financial commitments in baseball.

The revelation, initially reported by ESPN's Bill Simmons, underscores a peculiar provision within Ramirez's original 2008 contract. When Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers - a move that ended his often-tumultuous tenure in Boston - a clause stipulated that he would continue to receive his full salary even after his departure. This clause, designed perhaps to soften the blow of a trade or secure future performance, has instead become a costly and enduring reminder of a bygone era.

Why is this situation significant in 2026? Beyond the sheer spectacle of a team paying a retired player such a substantial sum, it serves as a cautionary tale for franchises and contract negotiators. It vividly illustrates the potential pitfalls of poorly constructed contract language and the long-reaching consequences of seemingly minor clauses. While the Red Sox undoubtedly weighed the potential benefits of such a clause at the time, the ongoing expense has become a considerable financial burden, highlighting the importance of meticulous contract reviews and future-proofing against unforeseen circumstances.

The Manny Ramirez Anomaly: A Deeper Dive

The contract's peculiar clause isn't necessarily unique, but its longevity and the sheer scale of Ramirez's salary make it exceptionally notable. Baseball contracts, especially those involving high-profile players, are often complex labyrinths of incentives, bonuses, and protections for both the player and the team. However, the Ramirez situation has sparked debate regarding whether such clauses should be more closely scrutinized and potentially regulated in the future.

While the exact wording of the contract remains largely confidential, it's generally understood that the clause was intended to provide a degree of financial security for Ramirez should he be traded or released. It's a system that prioritizes player welfare, but also creates a potential for financial strain on the team.

A New Era Begins: The Shohei Ohtani Era in Los Angeles

The Red Sox's ongoing financial commitment to Ramirez stands in stark contrast to the excitement surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers' monumental acquisition of Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar officially finalized his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, a deal that has reshaped the landscape of Major League Baseball and sent shockwaves through the league.

What makes Ohtani's contract truly extraordinary isn't just the sheer dollar amount, but the innovative structure surrounding it. Notably, Ohtani has forgoed a $68 million signing bonus and his salary for the entirety of the 2024 season while recovering from elbow surgery. This decision, combined with significant deferred payments built into the contract, has far-reaching implications for the Dodgers' competitive balance tax (CBT) implications. The team is maneuvering to lessen the immediate financial impact while securing Ohtani's services for the next decade.

Furthermore, Ohtani's commitment to serve as a designated hitter while he recovers highlights his dedication to returning to the game and contributing to the Dodgers' success. His arrival instantly elevates the team's prospects and generates immense excitement amongst fans, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating chapter in Dodgers' history. While his 2024 season will be spent on the injured list, the future is bright for Los Angeles.

The Contrasting Realities

The situations of Ramirez and Ohtani represent two divergent paths in the world of professional baseball - one a cautionary tale of contractual complexities, the other a bold testament to a player's value and a team's ambition. While the Red Sox grapple with the lingering financial burden of a past star, the Dodgers usher in a new era with one of the most transformative athletes the sport has ever seen. The comparison highlights not only the evolving economics of baseball but also the enduring power of contracts to shape a franchise's financial trajectory for years to come.