MLB Twitter dismayed at Keibert Ruiz agreeing a cheap extension with Washington Nationals: "RIP to this man’s career"

Keibert Ruiz might have disappointed quite a few fans as he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Washington Nationals. The 24-year-old could earn up to $50 million over the next eight seasons. There are two club options available for the Nationals as well.

Ruiz has been with the franchise since 2021 when he was acquired as part of a trade deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a short stint in the 2021 season, he was given the starting catcher role on opening day last term. He had appeared in 135 major league games, batting .257/.319/.366 with nine home runs, before a groin injury derailed his 2022 season.

Most critics are panning Keibert Ruiz's decision. Agreeing to an eight-year deal with very limited prospects of earning more in that stretch basically means that he is unsure about his own game and prospects of improving.

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Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga

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Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga https://t.co/EA0xXEPZ4P

Fans were quick to give their own opinions about the deal. They feel that Ruiz's decision clearly doesn't favor him as he looks to have a long career in the MLB.

Nate Olshan

@NOlshan

RIP to this man’s career. #MLB twitter.com/talkinbaseball…

Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga

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Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga https://t.co/EA0xXEPZ4P

RIP to this man’s career. #MLB twitter.com/talkinbaseball…

brcord

@brcord

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Someone is giving this kid horrible advice! 8years? Believe in yourself young man!

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Someone is giving this kid horrible advice! 8years? Believe in yourself young man!

Some fans compared the Nationals' move to that of the Atlanta Braves, who have a tendency of tying down young players early in their careers to secure their services long-term.

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Justin

@j_murray19

they trying to be the braves lmao twitter.com/talkinbaseball…

Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga

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Keibert Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed on 8-year extension, with club options that could push the contract's worth to $50 million, per @barrysvrluga https://t.co/EA0xXEPZ4P

they trying to be the braves lmao twitter.com/talkinbaseball…

Eddie Fonseca

@eddiejf10

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Taking one from the Braves play book....get them earlier for cheaper

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Taking one from the Braves play book....get them earlier for cheaper 💯

Joe

@EIGarySanchez

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga The Nats making a smart move to lock up one of their key young players? What world are we living in?

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga The Nats making a smart move to lock up one of their key young players? What world are we living in?

Some fans said this move could turn out one of two ways.

Henri

@Henri218201

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga This is either gonna be the worst overpay or the best underpay.

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga This is either gonna be the worst overpay or the best underpay.

However, the majority of responses were against the amount that Ruiz had agreed to, considering there was no fixed tag in the deal.

Bruh Moment

@MomentoDeBruhhh

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Per year? Or 50 over 8? 50 over 8 is cheap af

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga Per year? Or 50 over 8? 50 over 8 is cheap af

mike grier is a terrorist

@Jack473836

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga 8 years of poverty

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga 8 years of poverty 😭😭

Philly Nation

@Philly__Nation

@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga This is so random

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@TalkinBaseball_ @barrysvrluga This is so random

Keibert Ruiz billed to be Washington Nationals' long-term catcher

Keibert Ruiz has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until 2031, and he is expected to get the nod as the starting catcher for the Washington Nationals for the majority of that time. Had Ruiz not signed an extension, he would have been eligible for arbitration after the 2024 season. He will also be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2027 season.

But looking at the deal from his point of view, if at 33 he does decide to leave the Nationals, he will have enough prospects at hand as a catcher. However, that will only be available if he is able to elevate his game during this period.

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