Cleveland Indians sign Francisco Lindor to 1-year arbitration deal

[Ohiogal]

CLEVELAND -- Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has once again avoided arbitration by signing the second-highest contract for a second-time arbitration-eligible player.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Tribe was able to ink its All-Star shortstop on Friday to a one-year, $17.5 million deal with award incentives. The club has not confirmed. Only Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts has signed a bigger contract in his second year of arbitration at $20 million last offseason.

Sources also confirmed that the Indians have agreed to deals with right-hander Mike Clevinger (one year $4.1 million), outfielder Tyler Naquin (one year, $1.45 million), reliever Nick Wittgren (one year, $1.125 million) and outfielder Delino DeShields ($1.875 million).

https://www.mlb.com/indians/news/francisco-lindor-2020-arbitration-deal-with-indians

[Auggie]

1. Thanks for posting. Didn't know about Clevinger.

Looks like the front office is serious about contending this year. Might as well go for it with Lindor under team control. Need one more field player from the minors to break through -- another Mercado, you know? Bobby Bradley? Christian Arroyo? Anyone???

[Ohiogal]

2. I am also happy about Clevinger.

Lots of teams have been wanting him. I know the Angels have approached the Tribe about him.
Being that Kluber and Bauer are both gone, I don’t know how much more starting pitching they can afford to lose.

[Auggie]

3. I know!

Plutko, Plesac, and Civale all did fairly well last year IMO. Carrasco could see some spot starts perhaps. I agree, not as deep as last year but still pretty solid. Maybe someone emerges from the minors in Spring training?

Sad thought: should the team falter in the first half we might still see Clevinger and maybe Lindor traded by July.