The Indians and 2014 AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber have been in touch about a contract extension for most of the spring and FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal hears that talks are “progressing” with Opening Day just two days away.
Kluber, who turns 29 in April, is due to be arbitration-eligible for the first time next offseason and is under team control through 2018. He’s a unique case because of his age and track record, so you could understand if he tries to get some guaranteed money now rather than take the risk and wait. It’s unclear if talks will be tabled for the offseason if nothing gets done by Opening Day.
Kluber broke out with a 2.44 ERA and 269/51 K/BB ratio across 235 2/3 innings last season. He’s set to make $610,000 this year as a pre-arbitration player.