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Indians pass on QOs for Brantley, Miller, Allen
Club will not receive Draft pick compensation if trio signs elsewhere


CLEVELAND -- With a long list of questions to answer this offseason, combined with limited financial resources, the Indians opted against extending any qualifying offers to their free agents prior to Friday's deadline.

All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley, relief ace Andrew Miller and closer Cody Allen were the most likely candidates for the one-year, $17.9 million offer, which was due by 5 p.m. ET on Friday in order to potentially secure Draft pick compensation if the players signed elsewhere. In the end, the Indians made it clear that the offer was too steep a price to risk locking in so early in this important offseason for the ballclub.


"That was a big part of it," Indians' president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said in a conference call Friday afternoon. "Ultimately, the first week of the offseason, as we looked at our path ahead, it wasn't the best decision to potentially allocate [$17.9] million dollars right now."

Brantley, Miller and Allen are among Cleveland's 12 free agents, along with Brandon Barnes, Melky Cabrera, Lonnie Chisenhall, Rajai Davis, Josh Donaldson, Brandon Guyer, Oliver Perez, Adam Rosales and Josh Tomlin. Donaldson was ineligible for a qualifying offer due to being traded to Cleveland by Toronto during this past season.

Given the uncertainty that hovers over all three outfield positions for the Indians, it seemed possible that Brantley -- who has been with the Tribe for parts of 10 seasons -- might receive the one-year proposal. One issue is that the Indians are still sorting out where Jason Kipnis (due to earn $14.7 million in 2019) will fit on the roster. Barring a trade, Kipnis' future in Cleveland might involve playing left field.

The Indians are considering giving Yandy Diaz an opportunity at third base -- a move that would keep Jose Ramirez at second base. Kipnis moved to center field from second down the stretch last season, but he may need to shift to left if Leonys Martin (signed to a one-year contract on Wednesday) is healthy and ready to patrol center for '19.

Position alignment aside, if Brantley were to have accepted the $17.9 million offer, that would result in $32.6 million of the Indians' payroll being committed to him and Kipnis. That is a hefty sum for a Cleveland club that could have more than $30 million added in '19 through arbitration raises and raises built into guaranteed contracts. Even with a dozen free agents, the increasing internal salaries restrict the Indians' flexibility.

Antonetti emphasized that the Indians still have interest in re-signing Brantley, who hit .309 with 17 home runs, 36 doubles, 76 RBIs, 89 runs and an .832 OPS in 143 games this past season.

"I talked to Michael this morning and reiterated that. The interest is undoubtable," Antonetti said. "We could not have any more respect for any individual than we have for Michael. He's the guy that epitomizes, as I've shared before, all of the things we look for in a player. He's exceedingly productive on the field, he defines professionalism in the clubhouse and he's an extraordinary teammate. The interest and desire is there.

"What we will have to work through is, can we make the pieces fit? How, with the balance of our roster and all the other decisions we have to make? And Michael will have to assess how we fit within what his market might be."

Friday's decision not to extend a qualifying offer to any free agents does nothing to change the fact that the Indians need to search for outfield help and bullpen reinforcements throughout this offseason. That approach does, however, give the Tribe's decision-makers more time to weigh alternatives, explore trades and continue dialogue on different types of contracts with its free agents.

"We will be creative in looking at ways to improve our team," Antonetti said. "Certainly, one of the avenues we could pursue is to trade from an area of depth to address another area of our team."

Barnes elects free agency

The Indians outrighted Barnes off the 40-man roster Friday, but the outfielder elected free agency rather than accepting a Minor League assignment. Barnes, 32, appeared in 19 games for Cleveland down the stretch last season, but spent the majority of the year with Triple-A Columbus. He had been eligible for arbitration prior to becoming a free agent.

In a series of other paperwork moves Friday, the Indians activated right-handers Cody Anderson, Nick Goody, James Hoyt and Danny Salazar, as well as outfielders Tyler Naquin and Martin from the 60-day disabled list. Cleveland's 40-man roster now consists of 34 players.

https://www.mlb.com/indians/news/indians-decline-to-extend-qualifying-offers/c-300161636

Really hope this isn't accurate ...

If they could get something for Kip, I'd have no problem with it.

They'll need to figure out a way to get Yandy in the lineup next year. Trade Kip, Ramirez to second and Yandy to third.

Indians will listen to trade offers on veteran players

2:48 PM ET
Buster Olney
ESPN Senior Writer

The Cleveland Indians will listen to trade offers for some of their veteran players this winter as they face the sort of difficult choices that small-market teams must address, according to sources.

The Indians will hold on to shortstop Francisco Lindor and MVP candidate Jose Ramirez next season, but they have indicated to the industry that they are prepared to discuss other accomplished players, including 2017 Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber, pitcher Carlos Carrasco, catchers Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez, slugger Edwin Encarnacion and second baseman Jason Kipnis, among others.

The Indians did not tender qualifying offers to free agents Michael Brantley, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen because of their payroll concerns. The Indians ranked among the top half of teams in payroll last season and ran away with the AL Central, but their attendance dipped again and was among the worst in MLB. With Lindor, Ramirez and others due for raises, the Indians will be willing to move some salary in the right deals.

Kipnis is due to make $14.7 million next season, and Encarnacion is on the books for $21.67 million.

Kluber will make $17 million in 2019, and the Indians hold a club option on his deal for 2020 and 2021. Carrasco will make $7.1 million in 2019, and Cleveland has club options for 2020 and 2021 on his contract, as well.

With free agents like Nathan Eovaldi and Patrick Corbin expected to command pricey multiyear deals, Kluber and Carrasco could be attractive alternatives in the market because of their past success and because their contracts bear little risk.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25157907/cleveland-indians-listen-trade-offers-veteran-players

Yeah, I'm okay with trading Kipnis, but not starting pitching. If we absolutely must shed payroll besides Kipnis, I'd rather start with Alonso or even Encarnacion. Never, never, never trade starting pitching.

I hope the Indians' definition of "blown away" doesn't mean some team's top prospect.

Allen is junk, Miller is shot and Brantley will cost too much

Indians' payroll/attendance ranking
2012 $68.9m/29th
2013 $89M/28th
2014 $84m/29th
2015 $87m/29th
2016 $118m/28th
2017 $151m/22nd
2018 $150m/21st
In short: Increased spending dramatically; won a lot of games and reached postseason/WS; didn't get much of a bump in attendance.

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1058694086595657734

It didn't help that MLB scheduled 17 home games for the Indians in April, including a mid-week series against the Cubs.

Also, of course the Indians will always have a statistically lower attendance ranking, they play in the second smallest stadium in MLB.

They would've reached the 2+ million fans in attendance for the second consecutive season had it not been for the April schedule and more specifically the very cold April we had.

I sat through two games in the mid to high 30s. Nobody wants to go to those games when there are still 70+ other games still on the schedule.

Playing the Twins, Royals, White Sox, and Tigers 19 times each (38 home games) probably doesn't help attendance either. A better mix of games against AL teams would help. I think fans would like to see more of the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, etc. Sometimes you get in one of these schedule ruts where it feels like you are seeing the Twins and Royals for a month straight.

Agree 100% Dave. The AL Central was horrible and no real star power on those team to attract fans.

At one point during the season, I felt like I was going up to watch them play the Twins every few days.

Progressive Field has 35,041 seats. Our average attendance is just over 2/3 of capacity. Fenway isn't terribly bigger than Progressive, yet they draw much higher numbers.

We were 21st in attendance in all of MLB at 24,083 per game. 14 of the 20 teams ahead of us had worse records than we did.

I suppose that part of the problem is that we are in a horrible division, and that division games really have no great importance, which suppress attendance for those games. We also have an exceptional broadcaster in Sportstime Ohio, so people can stay home and watch from their coaches.

Jacob's Field had over 42,000 seats and sold out 455 games in a row... because fans thought we were on the brink of a championship. There was no way we would be denied. With that lineup? With that pitching? Then piece by piece, it all came apart. Then they teased again and broke our hearts again... and again, and again.

Claiming your place as an Indians fan is like explaining why you are still with your cheating girlfriend. She's nice, she's pretty, but she treats you like dirt. Every time you catch her she tells you she won't do it again... and you tell yourself "this time will be different". It never is. Eventually you are tired of being a fool and tired of being taken advantage of, you finally tell yourself "I'm done."

The Indians of the 90's were a beautiful bride, the Indians today are a one-night stand.

What would the Browns be with colorful words like that?

Might we sell a few more Tribe tickets with a Gold Glover or two playing. Playoffs were brutal.

Speaking of Gold Gloves, 4 Indians were nominated for one; P Kluber, SS Lindor, 3B Ramirez, and C Gomes. None of them won, but the nomination is worth noting, at least.

j/c...
Oh boy...

Jon Heyman Verified account
@JonHeyman
Indians want to pare 145M payroll (high for them). Kluber as very late bloomer signed reasonable contract, but high $4M Cy Young escalators raise what started as $13.5M average salary over next/last 3 years (last 2 years are team options)

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if we can rebuild the farm, I'd trade Kluber, keep carrasco as your #1

https://sports.yahoo.com/indians-send-inf-gonzalez-pirates-5-player-swap-212519550--mlb.html

Indians trade INF Gonzalez to Pirates in 5-player swap

The Associated Press
TOM WITHERS (AP Sports Writer)
The Associated PressNov 14, 2018, 5:37 PM


CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Indians traded one of their extra pieces. They're keeping their bigger ones - for now.

Cleveland began what could be a busy offseason on Wednesday by dealing versatile infielder Erik Gonzalez to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a five-player swap.

The AL Central champions sent the 27-year-old Gonzalez, who appeared in 81 games for the Indians last season, along with minor league right-handers Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza to the Pirates for outfielder Jordan Luplow and infielder Max Moroff.

Gonzalez batted .265 with one homer and 16 RBIs last season for Cleveland, which signed the Dominican native in 2009. And while he filled a valuable utility role, he was not going to crack the starting lineup behind All-Stars Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez.

''That was a tough thing for us,'' Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. ''We've had multiple conversations with Erik about it. He's done so many things to impact the organization in his time with us, from the time he signed. He's played every position on the field I think other than catcher at one point or another. But, as our roster has taken shape over the course of the past few seasons, we have not had an opportunity for him to play regularly.

''So, we feel this will give Erik an opportunity to play more with Pittsburgh and continue his career and potentially blossom into the everyday player we think he can be.''

The negligible move gives the Indians needed depth in the outfield, and it could be the first of many deals this winter.

Cleveland has not dismissed speculation it may be willing to trade prominent players, including ace Corey Kluber and right-hander Carlos Carrasco. Antonetti said it's difficult to measure whether the team has seen an increase in teams wanting to do business with the Indians.

''I think what I would reiterate is that I think the conversations have reaffirmed for us that we have a lot of players on our roster and throughout our organization that are of interest to other teams,'' he said. ''And I think what that allows us to do is have a lot of dialogue with other teams about potential opportunities for us to move forward as an organization and get better.''

The 25-year-old Luplow is one of those opportunities. Cleveland's outfield was decimated by injuries last season, and the team is not expected to re-sign Michael Brantley as a free agent.

Luplow appeared in 64 games over the past two seasons with the Pirates, who named him their top minor league player in 2017.

''He's capable of playing all three outfield spots,'' Antonetti said. ''He's spent most of the time in left and right, but we also believe he has the ability to play center field. He complements our roster really well as a right-handed-hitting outfielder that we think is capable of helping us at the major league level.''

Moroff has split the last three seasons between Triple-A Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, appearing in 26 games for the Pirates in 2018.

Antonetti dealing young players - especially pitchers - like Thomas and Mendoza is difficult, but sometimes necessary.

''Two young pitchers out in Arizona that we like, that have some upside,'' he said. ''Obviously, they're a little ways away from the major Leagues, being both 19 years old. So, guys that definitely have some potential to continue to grow and develop and develop into major league pitchers. But, for us to acquire Max and Jordan, we thought it was a worthwhile deal for us to make, because they're two guys that can help our Major League team here in the near future.''

I love going to Baseball games. Man, I miss being able to head up to Cleveland, especially now that tickets are so easy to come by. Unfortunately, by back just won't cooperate.

I think we should transition him to the field, and put him on first base.

Pittsburgh Pirates sign Cleveland Indians free agent Lonnie Chisenhall to 1-year deal | cleveland.com
https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2018/11/...art_river_index

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On Monday two of the Indians 12 free agents agreed to terms with other teams.

First, Josh Donaldson signed a one-year $23 million deal with Atlanta. Then Lonnie Chisenhall reportedly signed a one-year $2.75 million deal with the Pirates.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic was the first to report the Chisenhall deal.

Chisenhall, the Indians No.1 pick in 2008, played just 29 games last season because of injuries to both calves. He played just 82 games in 2017, missing most of the second half of the season, with a strained right calf.

When he was healthy this year, Chisenhall hit the ball well. He batted .321 (27-for-84) with one homer and nine RBI. In 2017 he was leading the Indians in RBI at the All-Star break, but injured his calf right before the break and was never a factor after that.

Chisenhall’s contract contains $3 million in incentives based on plate appearances from 250 to 600. Durability, however, has been a problem for Chisenhall. Last season Chisenhall went on the DL with a strained left calf on July 3 and did not play again. He did not join the team for the postseason as well.

For the last six years manager Terry Francona used him mostly as a platoon player against right-handed hitters. Since playing 142 games in 2014, Chisenhall has never played more than 126 games in a season.

The Indians drafted Chisenhall, 30, as a third baseman. That’s where he played from 2011 until he was optioned to Class AAA Columbus in 2015. When he returned after the All-Star break, Chisenhall moved to right field and has played there ever since.

The Indians still have 10 free agents on the market -- Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Michael Brantley, Josh Tomlin, Brandon Guyer, Rajai Davis, Oliver Perez, Adam Rosales, Melky Cabrera and Brandon Barnes.

good luck Lonnie

Hate to see homegrown talent depart but man he had struggles to stay on the field!

yeah, he was gonna be gone IMO

We need some folks able to dress and play regularly. I thank him for the thrills. Good player.

Best of luck!

Tribe, Dodgers discussing possible Kluber deal

By Jon Paul Morosi MLB.com @jonmorosi
11:28 AM EST

Discussions continue between the Dodgers and Indians about a blockbuster trade that could result in a two-time Cy Young Award winner joining Clayton Kershaw in the Los Angeles rotation.

Sources say the Dodgers and Indians have discussed various trade proposals in recent days. One such possibility involves Cleveland ace Corey Kluber going to Los Angeles in a deal that includes Yasiel Puig.

The Dodgers would need to add at least one significant player in addition to Puig in order for the Indians to seriously consider moving Kluber, one source said Wednesday. MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal was first to report the talks between the Dodgers and Indians.

In addition to Puig, the Dodgers have catching-prospect depth and would likely be willing to move left-hander Alex Wood and right-handed prospect Yadier Alvarez, who was just recently added to Los Angeles' 40-man roster.

• Latest MLB free agent and trade rumors

The availability of Kluber and fellow right-handers Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer reflects realities of Cleveland's market size and current roster. A trade involving one starter would allow Indians officials to add young talent to an experienced core while freeing up payroll space to pursue necessary outfield and bullpen upgrades.

For now, sources say the Indians are maintaining high price tags on Kluber, Carrasco, and Bauer, and are not yet close to making a major trade. Including team options, Bauer and Carrasco are under club control through 2020, and Kluber through '21.

The Brewers and Braves are two more potential trade partners for the Indians if they move a starter. While the Braves and Indians are not currently in active talks, one source said, Atlanta has pitching prospects (including right-hander Kyle Wright) that appeal to Cleveland. The Brewers possess both young pitching depth and outfielders (Corey Ray and Keon Broxton) who fit the Indians' needs.


Kluber has finished among the top 10 in American League Cy Young Award balloting in each of the last five seasons -- including four times in the top three. He's one of only two Major League pitchers to throw 1,000 regular-season innings since 2014. Max Scherzer is the other.

Kluber, who turns 33 in April, avoided the disabled list in 2018, but he required a pain-relieving injection in his right knee at the All-Star break in order to make it through the second half. Kluber started two games on short rest in the 2016 World Series; he is winless with a 10.64 ERA in three playoff starts since then.

Jon Paul Morosi is a reporter for MLB.com.

https://www.mlb.com/news/indians-dodgers-talking-corey-kluber-trade/c-301243132?tid=282421090

For Puig?? Seriously? The Dodgers were just trying to unload Puig a season or two ago. They would have to add a lot more than that.

Its gotta end sometime but I think the window is still open for this club. When this goes south it's REALLY gonna go south.
Attendance will be terrible...

As long as they have a couple of Kluber, Carrasco, and Bauer along with Lindor and Ramirez, they'll be good. It doesn't hurt that the rest of the division is horribly stinky.

I'm starting to the think that the "window" we all assumed would be open until 2020 or 2021 is an illusion. Our "window" may very well have been 2016, period. We have all been pretty happy to maintain the status quo of a great pitching staff, a couple blue-chip position players (Lindor, Ramirez), a solid supporting cast in the rest of the lineup - and we thought we could compete for the WS every year. In the mean time, Houston, Boston, and NY get better and better every year, with NY and Houston basically blowing our doors off in the first round of the playoffs the last two years. Like it or not, it looks to me like we are second tier and trending downward. Depressing.

So we're trading Gomes to Washington and getting not much in return? Are we in that bad of a payroll situation??