Locking up young players through their arbitration years seems to be a trend around Major League Baseball. These deals keep players on manageable contracts for the foreseeable future while affording them the security of a long-term deal.
This is exactly what the Cleveland Indians and reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber have done.
Sources: #Indians, Kluber closing in on long-term agreement. Indians also talking to Carrasco about deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 4, 2015
Multiple reports indicate that the two sides have agreed to terms on a five-year, $38.5 million deal that could turn into a seven-year, $77 million contract with incentives.
Kluber, 28, may have taken less than he would have made when he was slated to become a free agent after the 2018 season, but he did gain the security that comes with nearly $39 million guaranteed.
The Indians’ ace put up 18 wins with a 2.44 ERA in 34 starts this past season. It was the first time he recorded 200-plus innings and 30-plus starts in parts of four seasons in the Majors.
Photo: USA Today Sports